The UB Interview: Director Tamala Baldwin Talks ‘Blended Christmas’

“Blended Christmas” is streaming now on BET+, starring Jennifer Freeman and Anthony Dalton.

This heartwarming holiday film, directed by Tamala Baldwin, offers a fresh and heartfelt take on the modern family as newlyweds April (Freeman) and Michael (Dalton) navigate a holiday season filled with unexpected twists.

April and Michael are ready to celebrate their dream Christmas honeymoon in Hawaii, but an unexpected crisis forces them to change plans.

When Michael’s ex-wife, Nicole, suddenly needs their help, the couple must navigate a holiday season filled with tension, unexpected challenges, and a mysterious nurse named Lillian, who offers her support through her unique holiday service.

As the holidays unfold, April and Michael discover that what they thought would be a nightmarish Christmas might just bring them closer together in ways they never imagined.

This Christmas, they learn that sometimes the best gifts come from the most unexpected places.

The film also stars Victoria Rowell, Dreamdoll, Lamar K. Cheston, Charles Batson Jr., and Carlee Elston. Produced by Cecil Chambers, “Blended Christmas” is a touching holiday narrative that reflects the modern complexities of blended families, adoption, and the enduring power of love.

Tamala Baldwin is an executive producer and director creating narrative, branded and documentary work.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Tamala graduated from Manhattan College, and went on earn her MBA in Media Management/Film Studies. One thing led to another and upon graduating with her MBA she decided to enter the digital advertising space and moved to southern California.

That opportunity led to work with Billboard charting artists like Justin Timberlake, 50 Cent, Mandy Moore, and Snoop Dogg; and for mega brands such as Energizer, Vans, Photobucket, Myspace, and Eventful.

Tamala’s list of production credits for episodic television includes HBO, Disney/ABC Television, and Hulu.

Tamala recently spoke to UB about her new holiday film “Blended Christmas.”

Tamala shares how she brought the story together and what inspired the film.

Plus she tells UB her experience of working with the all-star cast and what she wants people to take away from the film.

UrbanBridgez.com: What inspired Blended Christmas and how did that lead to making the film?
Tamala Baldwin: Blended Christmas was born from my own life experiences and a deep desire to celebrate the beauty of Black love and blended Black families—something we don’t see enough of in media. After a relationship ended and I was navigating grief and loss, I found myself imagining what it might look like to get back together with someone, especially in the context of merging families. As I grew older, I realized how many of us in the Black community face the reality of blending families, and how beautiful and complex that journey can be. I wanted to create a film that honored that, one that shows how love—especially Black love—can bring people together and heal past wounds. This story came straight from my heart, and I prayed and walked in faith to bring it to the screen. It’s amazing to see it come to life on BET+.

UrbanBridgez.com: What type of story can viewers expect when they watch Blended Christmas?
Tamala Baldwin: Viewers can expect a heartwarming and fun holiday story that celebrates the joy of blending lives, families, and traditions. It’s a perfect mix of humor, love, and just the right amount of drama—because let’s face it, family is always full of surprises! The story dives into the complexities of relationships and shows what happens when two people decide to make it work, no matter how different their lives are. But most of all, it’s a celebration of the magic of the holiday season and the power of love. And like every great Christmas movie, you’ll also see that even when we’re going through tough experiences, we are never truly alone. The unseen angels and forces walking with us remind us that we’re supported and loved, even in our most difficult moments. That’s the essence of this story—showing that no matter the challenges, love, faith, and angels are always there guiding us home.

UrbanBridgez.com: You were able to bring together a great cast of actors who are known for their versatility, such as Victoria Rowell, Jennifer Freeman, and Anthony Dalton. What was it like to work with this cast on the film?
Tamala Baldwin: Working with such an incredibly talented cast was a dream come true! I was a little nervous at first, since these are actors I’ve admired for years. But once we all came together, it was such a beautiful collaboration. Each actor brought their unique energy and vision to the film, and everyone had their own personal reasons for being a part of the story. It’s amazing when people see themselves in the work you’ve created. The whole experience was truly magical, and I’m so grateful for the chemistry and heart everyone brought to the table. We had a blast working together!

UrbanBridgez.com: What, if anything, would you want people to get out of the film after they watch it?
Tamala Baldwin: I want people to walk away from Blended Christmas with a deeper understanding of how beautiful Black love truly is—especially in the context of blended families. These stories are often underrepresented in mainstream media, but there’s so much richness, joy, and resilience in Black families, particularly when they come together in love. I also want viewers to realize that true love never dies. Even when we’re going through unimaginable challenges, we’re never truly alone. There are unseen forces, whether it’s faith, spirit, or the people who love us, walking with us every step of the way. My hope is that viewers walk away feeling seen, feeling the power of love, and understanding that family isn’t defined by blood. It’s defined by the love, effort, and commitment we put into it. No matter the complexities or obstacles, love is always the foundation, and it will always find a way to heal and unite.

UrbanBridgez.com: Tell everyone why they should tune in to Blended Christmas on BET+?
Tamala Baldwin: Oh, where do I start? Blended Christmas is the perfect holiday movie for anyone who believes in second chances at true, everlasting, unconditional love that stands the test of time. At its heart, this is not just a story about blended families but also about a young couple who reunites after growing into the people they needed to be to fully embrace the love God blessed them with.

If you’ve ever navigated a complex family situation or experienced the beauty of rediscovering love, this movie will speak to your soul. It’s full of heart, humor, and the kind of holiday magic that reminds us of what really matters. The cast is absolutely incredible, and the story celebrates the beauty of family, love, and growth—no matter how messy or complicated. It’s the kind of feel-good movie that’ll have you laughing, crying, and smiling long after it’s over.

And the best part? It’s streaming on BET+, so you can enjoy it anytime, anywhere. Don’t miss this heartwarming holiday journey that will inspire you to believe in the power of love, second chances, and the family you choose.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s next for you?
Tamala Baldwin: What’s next for me is continuing to create stories that celebrate the beauty, depth, and complexity of Black life and love. I’m passionate about showcasing the kind of love that’s divine—love that transcends the transactional or ego-driven and becomes something truly transformative. I believe we all deserve to see ourselves receiving our happily ever after, and I want my stories to feel almost like modern-day fairytales, reminding us of what’s possible.

I’m also excited to expand The Becoming Love Project, a nonprofit initiative that uses scripting and filmmaking as tools for healing. Through this work, I hope to inspire more conversations and create art that reflects the beauty of unconditional love, helping people connect with themselves and each other in meaningful ways.

As a filmmaker, I’m committed to pushing boundaries and creating space for Black voices to shine in Hollywood. I have a few projects in the pipeline that I’m thrilled about, and I can’t wait to share them with you