Interviewed by Precious Whitener
True to OWN’s annual holiday movie theme, each original movie celebrates and honors the deeper meaning of the season — giving to others and putting friends and family first.
“A Christmas Stray” Premieres Tuesday, December 14 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT
Starring Andra Fuller (“Ethan”) and Rhyon Nicole Brown (“Foster”)
A tightly-wound corporate executive, finds himself hopelessly stranded in a small mountain town on Christmas Eve, unable to shake the adorable stray dog who ran him off the road, and irresistibly drawn to the free-spirited, local veterinarian who is sorely in need of some Christmas magic herself. “A Christmas Stray” is produced for OWN by MarVista Entertainment in association with Harpo Films.
Precious: What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned from the movie?
Andra: “The greatest lesson I’ve learned during the pandemic is to value your loved ones. Value your family and friends. Value relationships. It’s easy to turn your back on people and life is too short.”
Rhyon: “The greatest lesson I’ve learned is to value the things that I have. All the things that you chase all year and the things you go after are meaningless in comparison to what you already have. The movie teaches you that you have everything that you need.”
Precious:Why should we watch this film?
Rhyan: “The irony of this movie is that before the film I got into a relationship that I wasn’t looking for and I didn’t expect it. Love smacked me in the face. It’s a message of sometimes it might not be what you think but it will be far better than you ever dreamed.”
Andra: “You should watch this film because it carries the message that you find the one when you’re not looking for them. You can have the blueprint in life but you have to allow yourself to be vulnerable. My character Ethan, recognizes that as he prioritizes life, opportunities and success over personal relationships.”
Precious: How do we pause?
Andra: “Recognize that if you’re here, you’re blessed. It’s easy to look at what we don’t have but we are blessed. It’s easy to look at what others have and what’s going on, “over there” but look at what you do have. Recognize that you are here for a purpose.
Rhyan: “The pandemic separated us. We should make it a priority to call people and check on the ones that we love. If you can’t see them, make time to call them. Don’t forget the little things in life. Show kindness. Kindness is not limited to family, friends and the people that you know. Go out of your way to put a smile on someone else’s face. You never know what a small act of kindness will do for others.”
