Alum Will Packer Launches ‘Friday Night Movies On The Yard’ Series at FAMU

April 01, 2024
Emanni H. Henry
Will Packer launches “Friday Night Movies On The Yard"
Alum Will Packer Launches ‘Friday Night Movies On The Yard’ Series at FAMU

Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus and trailblazing Hollywood producer Will Packer launches “Friday Night Movies On The Yard,” a special screening series for students, faculty, and the local Tallahassee community beginning Friday.

Powered by Universal Pictures, the series will showcase four films produced by Packer’s production company, Will Packer Productions. Will Packer Productions has achieved unprecedented success with 10 number-one films. One of the most successful R-rated comedies of all time, “Girls Trip,” will be one of the featured films in this series.

Beginning on Friday, April 5, the screenings will continue every Friday throughout the month of April. Screenings will take place at the Will Packer Performing Arts Amphitheater, an outdoor venue named in Packer’s honor in 2021, offering the community the opportunity to enjoy these films free of charge. The Amphitheater, located at 1675 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Tallahassee, will open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m.

“Florida A&M University welcomes the first movie series of its kind at the Will Packer Performing Arts Amphitheater,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., who also thanked Packer for this initiative and his ongoing generosity. “This series is another thoughtful way for our students, faculty and staff to welcome the community to share and enjoy our wonderful campus.”

Producer Will Packer at the venue that bears his name. (Credit: Will Packer)

Producer Will Packer at the venue that bears his name. (Credit: Will Packer)

 

The series provides a platform for attendees to not only enjoy popular films but also celebrate the achievements of a prominent FAMU alumnus and the ongoing success of Black cinema.

“My journey with filmmaking began right here on this campus when I created my first film, Chocolate City,” Packer said. “I made these films to be watched on a big screen with a community, and I’m thrilled to come full circle and curate this special shared experience at FAMU.”

Students are looking forward to this series, which will provide an opportunity for them to have a fun experience in the safety of their campus.

“I am excited,” said senior music industry student Za’kharia Cox. “I think it’s a great opportunity to bring the community and FAMU students together.”

Series Schedule

  • April 5 “Ride Along”
  • April 12, “Little”
  • April 19 “Girls Trip”
  • April 26 “Straight Out of Compton”