Blackbird actors Nikki Jane and Torrey Laamar with Miss Lawrence of Bravo’s Fashion Queens
Written by | Ray Cornelius
Atlanta’s Out of Film kicked off its annual festival last night with the premiere of Patrik Ian-Polk’s coming of age story, Blackbird. The film takes a look at Randy (Julian Walker), a talented teenage singer and aspiring actor who’s struggling with religion, sexuality, a troubled home life and other high school woes in a small Southern Baptist town. It’s a journey that ultimately leads to him to love and acceptance. Blackbird is based on Larry Duplechan‘s 1986 book of the same name.
D. Woods with Patrik Ian-Polk
Blackbird features Isaiah Washington as Randy’s father Lance and Mo’Nique as his overly religious mother, Claire. The Oscar winning-actress also served as one of the film’s executive producers along with her husband, Sidney Hicks. Rounding out the cast is Terrell Tilford, Gary L. Gray, Kevin Allesee, Torrey Laamar, Nikki Jane, Terry Henry and former Danity Kane singer, D. Woods.
Terry Henry, Julian Walker and D. Woods talking during Q&A
A number of Atlanta tastemakers were in attendance for the screening including Kontrol Magazine, Sheen Magazine and celebrity stylists, Derek J and Miss Lawrence of Bravo’s Fashion Queens. After the film, Patrik and some of the cast engaged in a brief Q&A session with the audience. It was during this time that he revealed that the film was shot entirely in his hometown of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, using such familiar places as his childhood church, high school and his aunt’s home. He also mentioned that he and actor, Torrey Laamar performed a few songs in the movie. Patrik says he is also looking to take Blackbird throughout Europe and South Africa when the film opens in spring of 2015.
Check out a few photos below from the red carpet and Q&A:
D. Woods on the red carpet
Terry Henry, Julian Walker and D. Woods
Nikki Jane with Torrey Laamar
Torrey Laamar talking during Q&A session
Patrik Ian-Polk with Bravo’s Fashion Queens’ Derek J and Miss Lawrence
Blackbird cast with director Patrik Ian-Polk and guest moderator, Meko A. Evans
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com