For The Love Of Ruth To Air On TV One This Weekend

ATLANTA - May 8, 2015 - PRLog -- On May 9, TV One airs one of the greatest love stories ever told starring Denise Boutté, Gary Dourdan, Loretta Devine and James Pickens Jr.

Inspired by the biblical story, “For The Love of Ruth, written by Rhonda F. Baraka (“To Hell and Back,” “Pastor Brown,” "Trinity Goodheart",” “Marry Us for Christmas”), follows the journey of Ruth Sommerling (Boutté), who, orphaned as a child and currently residing in a women’s shelter has lived a life filled with pain and disappointment. In rapid succession, Ruth marries Nicholas Marachond, but a dreadful accident leaves her widowed. Refusing to abandon the new family ties she’s formed, Ruth develops a close bond with Naomi Marachond (Devine). As the matriarch of the Marachond family, Naomi introduces Ruth to the fullness that a life filled with faith and loyalty presents. However, Naomi’s brother-in-law Stephen (Pickens Jr.) discourages this connection and voices his suspicion of Ruth’s intentions. Ultimately, the love she desired all her life is found in Naomi’s reclusive cousin, Braxton (Dourdan) who despite objections from others showers Ruth with an outpouring of love and kindness.

Says Baraka, “'For The Love of Ruth' is a love story. Plain and simple. It’s about familial love, romantic love — deep, soulful, unconditional love.” She adds, “While it’s not a literal re-telling of the Book of Ruth, it captures the essence of the story beautifully and aptly conveys its overriding message: all you need is love — and a little faith."

"For the Love of Ruth" is Produced by Eric Tomosunas of Swirl Films. Christine Swanson served as Director for the film. Lamar Chase is Producer for TV One. Executive In Charge of Production and Programming is Tia A. Smith. D’Angela Proctor serves as Executive Producer for the network.

ABOUT RHONDA FREEMAN-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, and most recently TV One's To Hell and Back starring Ernie Hudson and Vanessa Bell Calloway.

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 which prompted the sequel Marry Us For Christmas.

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.

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