The press release doesn't say, but I think this might be TV One's first original film acquisition for a TV world premiere.
The film (covered previously on this site) comes from producer/writer/director Jeff Byrd, described as an urban contemporary re-telling of It’s a Wonderful Life, and titled A Beautiful Soul.
Here's a synopsis for the film:
R&B superstar Andre Stephens (Deitrick Haddon) is on top of the world. He has success, fame, and fortune but spiritually he has lost his way. However, his “perfect” world is shattered when his entourage is brutally attacked, leaving Andre and his best friend Chris Johnson (Robert Ri’chard) clinging to life. As his very existence hangs in the balance, Andre goes on a spiritual journey in a place that is neither on Earth nor in Heaven where he is given an opportunity to reevaluate his life, his faith and discover a beautiful soul.
The drama boasts a cast that includes veterans like Harry Lennix and Vanessa Bell Calloway, and stars Deitrick Haddon. Rounding out the cast are Golden Brooks, LesLey-ann Brandt, Robert Ri'chard, Barry Floyd, Trevor Jackson, John Salley and Bishop Noel Jones.
The film had a very limited theatrical run earlier this year, grossing just over $54,000 (according to Box Office Mojo).
Here are the broadcast premiere details from TV One's press release:
TV ONE CELEBRATES HOLIDAY SEASON WITH WORLD PREMIERE OF "A BEAUTIFUL SOUL" STARRING GOSPEL LEGEND DEITRICK HADDON
SILVER SPRING, MD (November 19, 2012) – TV One will celebrate the holiday season with the world television premiere of A Beautiful Soul on Saturday, December 22, 8:00-10:00 PM/ET. A contemporary take on the holiday themes explored in It's A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol, the film stars gospel music legend Deitrick Haddon as R&B superstar Andre Stephens. A Beautiful Soul explores the spiritual journey Andre takes when he and a friend are brutally attacked and left clinging to life. Guided by a mysterious presence, on a journey somewhere between life and death, Andre is given the opportunity to reflect on his past and reevaluate his faith. A Beautiful Soul will encore on Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25, 8PM/ET.
The film, shot entirely on location Los Angeles, also features Lesley-Ann Brandt (CSI:NY), Robert Ri'chard (The Vampire Diaries), Golden Brooks (Hart of Dixie), Vanessa Bell Calloway (Go On) and cameos by John Salley and Bishop Noel Jones. A Beautiful Soul is a TV One co-production with Feather Films. Directed by Jeffrey W. Byrd and produced by Holly Carter, Felicia D. Henderson and Dominique Telson. Executive in charge of production for TV One is Craig Henry.
Additional holiday programming on TV One includes a marathon of holiday themed episodes featuring acquired series A Different World, Amen, Eve, The Jeffersons, Living Single and Martin on Tuesday, December 25 from 6:00-8:00 PM/ET.
