BET has unwrapped its latest holiday movie, ‘The Christmas Lottery.’

The film follows a father who requested his three estranged daughters come home for Christmas for a big announcement…he has won a $10-million-dollar lottery! To receive their share, he has a number of requests from each of them.

Brave Williams stars in the flick, alongside the likes of Candiace Dillard and Asiah’ Epperson.

That Grape Juice caught up with her to discuss the festive film and more.

Join us below…

That Grape Juice: You star in The Christmas Lottery. Tell us a little about the film and your role?

Brave Williams: I play Nicole Davenport. The middle sister of Diedra (Asiah’ Epperson) and Tammy (Candiace Dillard Basset). I left home to pursue my career in finance, became successful, and never went back to check on my father or mother, in which she suffers from Dementia. I return after learning my father wins the lottery, and my sister Diedra resents me because of it. I have to fight to try to bring the 3 of us together.

Tell us a little about shooting: the film was presumably shot during these unique times?

Shooting during a pandemic was quite interesting. We had to get tested every two days for Covid, be it in our nostrils or in our throat. There was a level of anxiety on set, as we had designated areas that we had to stay in because of covid. New protocols were put in place, but We were determined & got through it as safely as possible.

What do you want viewers to take away from watching The Christmas Lottery?

One thing that I want viewers to take away from The Christmas Lottery, is that despite whatever dysfunctionalism may exist in your family; family is still so important. There is no perfect family. Siblings will rival, opinions will be shared, but sometimes you have to put your ego aside, differences aside, to come together and get through the tough times together. It’s a movie of hope.

We love us some music here at That Grape Juice. Which songs are on your Christmas playlist?

The number one song that I have on my Christmas playlist, is my song that I just released, ‘Santa Baby.’ Eartha Kit has always inspired me; her voice is magical, and it was a song that I wanted to remake, to pay her homage. My other single ‘Don’t Tell Me No’ is also a beautiful ballad that I have on my playlist ❤️

2020 has been quite the year. Amidst the chaos, what is one key learning you’ve unwrapped?

One thing that I’ve learned in 2020 is that difficult times show you who you truly are. They show you what you align yourself with. It’s easy to talk about God and having faith in good times, but how deeply do you still hold those values to your heart when life gets tough? It was a moment of self reflection. In order to grow you have to be self-aware and have those honest questions,  2020 forced those honest questions … and offered the time it took to get honest answers.

What is one thing you want 2021 to gift us all?

One thing I want people to take away from 2021 is the gift of being present. So many of us are never in the moment, experiencing what’s happening around us, because our attention is spent in our phones, in our own heads, and we miss the blessings of “now.”  I want people to feel safe in being present. That’s a gift in itself.

On a personal note, what projects do you have upcoming heading into the New Year?

A few things that I have upcoming outside of the Christmas Lottery is another film that I’m currently filming. On the music side, I just did a deal/ partnership with Universal and released ‘Santa Baby’ and the video will be released on 12.18.20. ‘Santa Baby’ is also on every  streaming platform, as well as my own single, ‘Don’t Tell Me No.’ The video for ‘Don’t Tell Me No’ will be released in January. I will also be working on my film that I wrote, and will be setting up to go in production in 2021.

And finally, what are three reasons everyone needs to tune into The Christmas Lottery?

Three reasons why everyone needs to tune into ‘The Christmas Lottery’ is because it will put you in the Christmas spirit. You will laugh, you will cry, you will feel the love through the screen!

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‘The Christmas Lottery’ is airing this festive season on BET and BET Her.
Check your local listings for times. 

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