The 2009 Atlanta Film Festival kicks off today until Saturday, April 25th, and we’ve got your backstage pass to the top events of the 10 day affair. Watch the festival trailer and check out our top pick of events now.

Opening Night Gala, World Premiere Red Carpet Event
Thursday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m.
The People Speak
Director/Producers: Chris Moore, Howard Zinn and Anthony Arnove, USA, 120 minutes

Inspired by Howard Zinn’s revolutionary book, A People’s History of the United States, The People Speak film brings together actors Josh Brolin, Marisa Tomei, Danny Glover, Jasmine Guy, Viggo Mortensen, Kerry Washington, Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Sandra Oh, Sean Penn, Rosario Dawson, and Don Cheadle, and contains brings history to life by re-create poignant, but unsung milestones in U.S. history, told from oft overlooked points of view of women, minorities, and the oppressed.

Celebrities confirmed to be in attendance – and walking the red carpet beginning at 6:45PM – are Josh Brolin (Milk, W), Chris Moore (Project Greenlight, producer of Good Will Hunting, American Pie), Viggo Mortensen (Lord of the Rings), Michael Ealy (Barbershop, Their Eyes Were Watching God), Rich Robinson (Black Crowes), Jasmine Guy (A Different World, School Daze) and Howard Zinn (author, The People’s History of the United States).

VIP Reception 6:00-7:30PM (includes screening)
Individual tickets: $85

Screening of The People Speak 7:30-9:30PM
Individual tickets: $50

Watch The People Speak below.

For the complete list of films, please click here ATL 365

For more information, visit: http://atlantafilmfestival.com