The 11th Annual Outfest Fusion LGBT People of Color Film Festival kicks off on Friday night with a screening of out director Patrik-Ian Polk's new film Blackbird at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. Fusion runs through the weekend.
Blackbird follows 17-year-old Randy, a devout choir boy living in a conservative Mississippi town, as he struggles to understand his sexuality while also caring for his mother following his sister's disappearance. The film is one of the first starring roles for Mo'Nique following her Oscar-winning performance in Precious, and also features a performance from Isaiah Washington as Randy's absentee father.
GLAAD's Wilson Cruz said of the film: "Patrik-Ian Polk's Blackbird not only presents much-needed representations of gay men and straight allies of color, but also contains a positive message about how accepting yourself allows others to do the same. It’s a perfect film to kick off Outfest’s Fusion Film Festival."
Tickets are available now, and check out the Blackbird trailer below.