(April 15 — New York, NY) From the director of cult classics PUNKS and NOAH'S ARC, comes the much-anticipated third feature film from Patrik-Ian Polk: THE SKINNY, a sharply scripted comedy about a group of four young, black, gay men (Magnus, Sebastian, Kyle, Joey) and their lesbian best friend (Langston). They arrange to meet up in New York City one year after their graduation from Brown University. Their plans for a weekend of fun start off well, relaxed in each other's company as only old friends can be. But old tensions quickly resurface.
Drinking, drugs, hidden desire and the demands of promiscuity put friendship, trust and even lives at risk. In between sharp one-liners and a great soundtrack there's a few important lessons that these pleasure-seekers must learn for themselves. Written with a real sense of the demands of urban living, these bright and believable characters will remind you of someone you know. Remaining true to his past work, Polk addresses issues in THE SKINNY that face the LGBT community such as date-rape, infidelity, and HIV/AIDS awareness.
The film stars Jussie Smolett (the former child actor of "Mighty Ducks" & "North", and brother of actress Jurnee Smollett), Blake Young-Fountain, Anthony Burrell, Shanika Warren-Markland and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman. Supporting cast includes alumnus of Polk's past features such as Darryl Stephens ("Noah's Arc"), Jennia Fredrique ("Noah's Arc"), Wilson Cruz ("Noah's Arc") and Seth Gilliam ("Punks"). Also, the film introduces newcomer Dustin Ross and the feature film debut of internet sensation B. Scott.
In an exciting partnership, the filmmaker has teamed up with the Black AIDS Institute to promote the importance of health in the LGBT Community, especially in the Black and Latino communities. The Institute will sponsor appearances, receptions and panel discussions in Chicago featuring producer/director Polk. THE SKINNY director will be on hand to discuss the HIV awareness story-lines in the movie and other sexual health issues of importance to the LGBT population.
"I've been involved with the Black AIDS Institute since the early days of my NOAH'S ARC television series, and I've been addressing issues of HIV and AIDS in my work since my first film PUNKS," Polk explains. "So it makes perfect sense to partner with them to promote their great cause and highlight the HIV awareness issues raised in my new film THE SKINNY."
The film also features music written and performed by Patrik-Ian Polk. With tunes that illustrate the highs and lows of the film, Polk sings with his heart and soul to capture the essence of the movie's message. Polk says he was inspired by artists such as Grammy-Award winning Adele, "who created a very personal album based on her romantic experiences". Polk continues to share coyly that, "...most of the songs I wrote, although they fit very nicely in THE SKINNY, are actually about some very personal experiences with...someone very specific."
THE SKINNY had its world premiere at the OUTFEST FUSION FILM FESTIVAL 2012 in Los Angeles, California on March 24th, 2013, where it was well-received. Fans from all over came to view the film and also watch as Patrik-Ian Polk received the 2012 Fusion Achievement Award presented by famed director/producer Lee Daniels ("Precious"), who spoke highly of Polk.
"Being a filmmaker is very, very hard. Being a black filmmaker is really, really hard work. Being a GAY BLACK filmmaker is close to impossible. And having the balls to tell gay stories in cinema the way Patrik-Ian Polk has done is inspiring to me because I don't have those balls yet...The work jumps off the screen. His honesty, his ability to tap into the truth with all of the characters," said Lee Daniels.
THE SKINNY also had its international premiere in two sold-out screenings, March 31st and April 1st, in London at the famed British Film Institute.
Opening weekend, without the benefit of major promotions and marketing, the film was a hit with audiences, collecting a total of $21,157 at its two Landmark Theatre bookings. The movie brought in $12,507 at Landmark's E Street Cinema in Washington DC and $8,650 at the chain's Midtown Art Cinema in Atlanta, for a per screen average of $10,579- the 3rd highest per screen average at the box office this weekend.
THE SKINNY opens Friday, April 27th for an exclusive one-week engagement in Chicago at the Century Centre Cinema (2828 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657). THE SKINNY will have its television premiere on MTV's Logo Network this July. THE SKINNY ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK will be released digitally on April 17th. For more information, see www.skinnythemovie.com .
For media inquires and interview requests please contact Chris X. D. Crowder, info@skinnythemovie.com
