Mary J. Blige, Lisa Lisa and Gloria Gaynor comprise the trio of icons who will be spotlighted when Lifetime’s 2025 “Voices of a Lifetime” platform returns this winter. The launch begins Jan. 25 with the premiere of the original movie Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair.
Inspired by the Blige hit “Family Affair,” the premiere marks the third installment in the Queen of Hip-Hip and Soul’s music-inspired movie franchise that launched in 2023 with Mary J. Blige’s Real Love followed by Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman. The films chronicle the love story of central characters Kendra and Ben, with chapter three picking up with the pair’s move to a new town and the issues that ensue as they work to finally build a life together. Kendra and Ben are portrayed by Ajiona Alexus and Da’Vinchi, respectively. Both also served as executive producers of the movie along with others including Blige and Davis Entertainment’s Jordan and John Davis. Troy Scott directed from a script written by Rachel Ingram with Front Street Pictures producing the project.
Coming Feb. 1 is Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story about the Latin hip-hop pioneer born Lisa Velez. The authorized biopic focuses on the singer-actress whose career took off as a member of the ‘80s group Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam. The gold- and platinum-selling band’s Full Force-produced chain of hits includes “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” “Head to Toe,” “Lost in Emotion” and “All Cried Out.” Jearnest Corchado stars as Velez who, in turn, portrays her own mother and doubles as executive producer. Also in the cast: Bre-Z (Empire) and New York City radio personality Angie Martinez. Produced by Swirl Films, the biopic is directed by Tailiah Breon with a script from Rebecca Murga.
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Rounding out Voices of a Lifetime’s triple rollout on Feb. 8 is another authorized biopic, Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story. Gaynor, aka the Queen of Disco, is the force behind the ageless empowerment anthem “I Will Survive.” Featuring other memorable songs from the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s catalog, the film stars Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, who is among the project’s executive producers and also starred in Roberts’ Emmy-nominated biopic Mahalia. Lance Gross plays Gaynor’s husband and manager Linwood Simon; their tumultuous relationship is among the personal challenges that Gaynor faced during her career.
Gaynor served as an executive producer. She also wrote and recorded an original song for the biopic, which Roberts and Linda Berman produced for Rock’n Robin Productions in association with Apex Content Ventures. Alicia K. Harris directed from a script written by Njeri Brown and Jane Espenson. After the premiere of Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story, Lifetime will present the world television debut of the documentary Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive. Produced by Storyville Entertainment, Sing Me Back Home Productions and Tora 9, the documentary — which initially premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival — was helmed by Emmy-nominated director Betsy Schechter; Gaynor is among its executive producers. For more information and additional updates, visit Lifetime.
