Rhonda Baraka

Rhonda Freeman-Baraka made her foray into the film industry with the 2008 production of her film "Pastor Brown," a family drama that has been touted as an uplifting twist on the prodigal son story. Directed by Rockmond Dunbar ("Prison Break," "Soul Food," "The Family That Preys," "Terriers"), "Pastor Brown" features an all-star cast, including Dunbar, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Nicole Ari Parker, Keith David, Ernie Hudson, Tasha Smith, Michael Beach, Tisha Campbell-Martin and Michael B. Jordan."Pastor Brown" won rave reviews and garnered wide viewership during its premiere on Lifetime TV in February 2013. The film was one of three originals presented by the network as part of a special Black History Month series and went on to garner six Black Reel nominations, including Outstanding Screenplay (Adapted or Original), TV Movie or Mini-series.Ms. Freeman-Baraka's 2011 release, "Trinity Goodheart," a heartwarming family drama starring Erica Gluck ("The Game," "American Son," and "Mirrors"), R&B singer Eric Benet and legendary actor James Hong ("Kung Fu Panda," "Avatar the Last Air Bender"), was the first original film produced by Up TV (formerly gmc) and, at the time of its premiere, was the highest rated show in the history of the network.Other projects include "Saving Westbrook High," starring Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Loretta Devine (who received a Black Reel nod for her role), Esai Morales, and Greg Alan Williams and the holiday romantic comedy "Marry Me For Christmas," with Malinda Williams, Victoria Rowell, Brad James, Greg Alan Williams, Carl Payne, and Tamara Bass.During its premiere, "Marry Me For Christmas" set a new record for UP TV viewership, delivering the largest Saturday night numbers in the history of the network.In 2013, Ms. Freeman-Baraka expanded her horizons into the world of talk shows. As a member of the team that conceptualized Magic Johnson's ASPiRE Network, she was instrumental in the development of the network's dynamic original series Exhale, a talk show featuring five African American female hosts who address issues pertinent to Black women. Ms. Freeman-Baraka serves as a writer for the show, now in its second season. Show less «