Robin Downes: BLACKBIRD - Gay Religious Conflict: Film Director Q & A [VIDEO]

Thursday, April 2, 2015

BLACKBIRD - Gay Religious Conflict: Film Director Q & A [VIDEO]

Starring Academy Award® Winning actress Mo’Nique and Isaiah Washington, BLACKBIRD tells the story of seventeen-year-old Randy (Julian Walker), a devout Christian, who, as strong as he seems on the outside, is hiding a secret inner struggle - a denial of being gay. It is not until he opens himself up to love that he discovers that becoming a man means accepting who you really are. The movie opens in theaters April 24, 2015. You will also be able to stream the film on UrbanMovieChannel.com

I was able to get more insight into the creative process that went into the making of BLACKBIRD provided by director, Patrik-Ian Polk (The Skinny, Noah’s Ark), at a NYC press screening hosted by Traci Blunt from RLJ Entertainment / Urban Movie Channel. After the screening, the Q & A was hosted and moderated by TheGrio.com Entertainment Editor, Christopher Witherspoon. Patrick-Ian Polk revealed that the overall theme of the film is that "God Is Love".

Additionally, in the audience was Tatyana Ali (Actress, Fresh Prince of Bel Air), who gave her passionate feedback to the director about how she related to the characters experience of awakening sexuality.

Check out the highlights from the press Q & A and hear Tatyana Ali's validation for Patrick-Ian Polk's storytelling in this video below:

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