TV One’s new original holiday film. Christmas Dilemma marks the directorial debut by the Actor turned Director Essence Atkins and builds on the longstanding relationship with TV One. Atkins TV One credits include films such as Girlfriend’s Getaway and its sequel, along with Coins For Christmas, and Coins For Love. Filmed in Atlanta, the movie stars BJ Britt most remembered for his roles on Being Mary Jane and Agents of S.H.I.E.LD., starlet Brittany Hall (Ballers, Satisfaction), Carl Anthony Payne II (Cole on the 90’s TV series Martin) and Christopher B. Duncan (Black Lightning, The Jamie Foxx Show).

“I am blessed to have the opportunity to collaborate with TV One once again to direct my first movie,” remarked Atkins. “I am immeasurably grateful for the opportunity to helm a film that I can declare I’m proud of. This entire experience has taught me so much and was a true delight.”

“This will undoubtedly be a different kind of holiday so we thought an offbeat Christmas comedy was the perfect choice,” remarked Robyn Green Arlington, VP Programming and Production.

CHRISTMAS DILEMMA follows a newlywed couple Jay (Britt) and Monica (Hall) as they struggle to decide which set of in-laws they should join for their first Christmas. After each pleads their case and even attempts to leverage the finer points of being in a relationship, they decide to bypass the guaranteed disappointment of picking one family over the other and decide to spend the holidays with just the two of each of them. Unbeknownst to them, the decision is made for them when their families show up to their doorsteps unexpectedly. Drama ensues as the in-laws clash, long-lost relatives decided to make an appearance, and Jay’s grandmother joins the holiday festivities accompanied by her caretaker who just so happens to be Jay’s gorgeous ex-girlfriend.

The talented star packed cast of CHRISTMAS DILEMMA INCLUDES:

• BJ Britt as Jay

• Brittany Hall as Monica

• Carl Anthony Payne II as Eddie

• Christopher B. Duncan as Howard

CHRISTMAS DILEMMA IS produced for TV One by Swirl Films, with Eric G. Tomosunas and COO Robert A. Boyd II, serving as Executive Producers. James Seppelfrick, Ron Robinson and Keith Neal serve as producers for Swirl Films. For TV One, Jason Ryan is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production, Donyell Kennedy-McCullough is Senior Director of of Talent & Casting, and Robyn Greene Arrington is Vice President of Original Programming and Production.

For more information about TV One’s upcoming programming, including original movies, visit the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) using the hashtag #CHRISTMASDILEMMA