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First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story 2023

Movie · 120 min · English · October 5, 2023

Directed by Vivica A. FoxWritten by Gabrielle Collins, Tressa Azarel Smallwood

Starring Michelle Mitchenor, Tobias Truvillion, Leon Robinson, Jess Hilarious, Kellie Shanygne Williams

First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story is a 2026 American biographical crime drama film. It was written by Gabrielle Collins and Tressa Azarel Smallwood and directed by Vivica A. Fox in her first time directing. Michelle Mitchenor plays Tonesa Welch in the film. The story traces Welch's journey from teenage mother to drug dealer in Detroit, where she became known as "First Lady" of the Black Mafia Family. Also appearing are Tobias Truvillion, Leon, Jess Hilarious, Faith Malonte, Tristan Fazekas and Kellie Shanygne Williams. Welch appears briefly in a cameo role.

The film debuted through BET+ on October 5, 2023. At the 55th NAACP Image Awards, First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story received a nomination for Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special and another for Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special (Fox).