Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Oscar-winning comedienne Mo’Nique is stepping back into the spotlight to star in and produce a new indie from LGBT filmmaker Patrik-Ian Polk, titled Blackbird.
According to Indie Wire, Blackbird takes a look at a talented teenage singer who’s struggling with religion, sexuality, a troubled home life and other high school woes in a small Southern Baptist town – a journey that ultimately leads to him learning to accept and love who he is. Newcomer Julian Walker will star as the lead along with Isaiah Washington as his father and Mo’Nique as his mother.
The film also features Terrell Tilford, Gary L. Gray, Kevin Allesee, Torrey Lamaar, Nikki Jane and former Danity Kane member, D. Woods. Mo’Nique’s husband, Sidney Hicks will also serve as an executive producer through his production company, Hicks Media.
“’Blackbird’ is a film about the choices people are forced to make as they struggle to figure out how to be themselves. And why should just being who you are be a struggle?” explained Executive Producer Sidney Hicks. “Since Mo’Nique won the Oscar, we have received numerous scripts, but nothing captured our attention until Isaiah, who we have a high level of respect for, sent us Blackbird. We became instant fans of Patrik-Ian Polk and knew we had to get behind this important film.”
Patrik-Ian Polk is best known for his gay-themed indie films PUNKS, The Skinny, and the hugely popular television series, Noah’s Arc which aired on LOGO.
RC will keep you posted on this project as it continues to develop.
Photo Credit: gal5.piclab.us