/UCWE/ - Principal photography begins this month in New Orleans, Louisiana on the Lifetime Original Movie "LIFE IS NOT A FAIRY TALE: THE FANTASIA BARRINO STORY," (working title). The television film is inspired by the true story of Fantasia Barrino, a teenage single mother who overcame poverty, sexual abuse and illiteracy by using her incredible voice to rise to national prominence as the winner of American Idol. Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling recording artist Fantasia will grace the title role, playing herself in the movie.
Prolific actress Loretta Devine ("Dreamgirls," "Crash," "Boston Public," "Waiting to Exhale") has been cast as Fantasia's grandmother, Addie Collins and Tony(R) Award winner Viola Davis ("Traffic," "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") stars as Fantasia's mother, Diane Barrino. Rounding out the ensemble cast are Kadeem Hardison ("A Different World," "Biker Boyz") in the role of Fantasia's father, JoJo Barrino and newcomer Jamia Simone Nash ("My Wife and Kids") who plays the young Fantasia. Acclaimed Emmy(R) and Golden Globe(R)-winning choreographer, actress and director Debbie Allen ("Fame," "Girlfriends") will direct the film, bringing her boundless experience from in front and behind the stage and screen to this movie. "LIFE IS NOT A FAIRY TALE: THE FANTASIA BARRINO STORY" is set to premiere this August on Lifetime.
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