Stars come out for “Blackbird” Atlanta premiere as Out On Film begins [PHOTO GALLERY]

The 27th Annual Out On Film festival got off to a rousing start Friday night with a packed house for the opening night screening of director Patrik-Ian Polk’s “Blackbird.”

In attendance were the director, Polk, and stars Julian Walker, Torrey Laamar, Wanita Woodgett, D. Woods, and Nikki Jane to take part in a Q&A afterwards.

Others in attendance included comedian Alec Mapa and director Andrea James, whose “Alec Mapa: Baby Daddy” screens Saturday night, and Derek J and Lawrence Washington from “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Mapa, James, Polk and the “Blackbird” cast later mingled in the Out On Film VIP lounge at Apres Diem. Ticket demand for the film led to an additional late screening to be added.

Jim Farmer, director of Out on Film, stated via Facebook the screenings of “Blackbird” were the best in the film festival’s history:

“Thanks to everyone who came out to Out On Film’s opening night last night. It was a perfect evening – people loved Blkbirdthefilm and we sold out the first show – in the big house – and packed ’em in for the encore. And we had a great crowd for “Eastern Boys” as well and had lots of fun in the Absolut VIP lounge at Apres Diem. And we can now officially say that “Blackbird” is our largest film of all time,” Farmer said.

Out On Film continues today through Thursday, Oct. 9. Check here for a roundup of the films on tap.

 

psaunders@thegavoice.com | @patricksaunders