Toni Braxton stars as conqueror Antoinette Tuff, whose courageousness and swift thinking protected the lives of hundreds of innocent people. The film, suitably titled Faith Under Fire: The Antoinette Tuff Story, is based on the distressing true story of Antoinette Tuff, a single mother from Georgia whose faith and determination faced the ultimate test. The film is derived from Tuff’s memoir, Prepared for a Purpose: The Inspiring True Story of How One Woman Saved an Atlanta School Under Siege. The memoir detailed how Antoinette utilized her personal struggles to engross the gunman Michael Hill, bonding with him and eventually convincing him to surrender.
The movie begins on the morning of August 20th 2013, and details the events leading up to Hill’s eventual capitulation.
Faith is defined as “complete trust or confidence in someone or something, or strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction.” On August 20, 2013, Antoinette Tuff faced her truest test of faith. Heading to work with financial woes and a crumbling marriage, becoming a hero on that faithful morning was the furthest thought from Tuff’s mind. However, she would soon find that her previous lessons were preparing her for the ultimate test. Antoinette Tuff watched in horror as 20-year-old gunman, Michael Hill, charged into Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy with an AK-47 assault rifle and 500 rounds of ammunition. As the threat of the gunman became imminent, Tuff knew she had a decision to make. Realizing that she controlled the fate of those around her, Tuff learned what it truly meant to have Faith Under Fire.
Fortunately, Tuffs’ critical thinking prevented the outcome from becoming a gruesome tale. Instead, her swift discerning and wise judgement helped prevent a potentially tragic outcome. Tuff remained on the phone with police, while calming the gunman, who was firing rounds and reloading as she spoke to law enforcement. However, through faith and persistence, Tuff was able to talk the gunman into surrendering and leaving the premises.
Upon surviving the incident, Tuff was rightfully hailed as hero. She has received accolades from many, including Former President Barack Obama. Expending her literary talents, Tuff took the retelling of the story to print. She authored her memoir, Prepared for a Purpose: The Inspiring True Story of How One Woman Saved an Atlanta School Under Siege, which became the basis for the Lifetime film, Faith Under Fire: The Antoinette Tuff Story.
This will be Braxton’s second venture with Lifetime. Her first being personal biopic, Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart, which brought record ratings to the network.
The film also stars Yaya DaCosta (“Whitney”) as 911 operator Kendra McKay and Malik Yoba (“Empire”) as Sergeant Franklin. Antoinette Tuff’s son Derrick, who was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is portrayed in the film by Shalaby Omar (“Doubt”), a young actor with Spina Bifida.
Faith Under Fire: The Antoinette Tuff Story will air on January 27th at 8pm on Lifetime.
Watch the Trailer Below
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