VAN NUYS, Calif. — Continuing its mainstream marketing push, Digital Playground’s “Pirates” opened the Great Lakes Film Festival Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Erie, Pa. The film’s director Joone, and its star Jesse Jane, attended the screening and participated in a meet and greet and formal Q & A session following the film’s feature presentation.

The Great Lakes Film Festival includes celebrities, parties, film screenings, awards ceremonies and a networking atmosphere for film industry professionals. The festival functions as a showcase for the Great Lakes Film Association to screen independent films and award outstanding filmmakers.

Films shown at the festival have been aired on HBO, PBS and the Sundance channel over the past four years.

“I have always viewed the adult industry as a viable outlet for independent filmmaking,” Joone said. “The distribution lines allow for visibility and profit as long you can incorporate sex scenes into your film. Even with multiple ratings, ‘Pirates’ is a true independent film. It’s an honor to be here presenting the film and to be opening the festival.”

Released in Sept. 2005, “Pirates” has taken a page from mainstream Hollywood.

In May, the film received an R-rating from the Motion Picture Association of America. With an R-rating and mainstream distribution from MTI, Digital Playground has brought its film to a wide range of mainstream retail outlets, including Blockbuster Video.

In September, Digital Playground released a companion soundrack to the motion picture that is available through retail outlets like Amazon.com. Skin Muzik created the soundtrack, which includes 12 unique songs.

Filmed with high-definition cameras, “Pirates” features swordplay, CGI skeleton warriors, sea battles and more than 300 special effects. It was shot on location in California and off the coast of Florida.

“Pirates” stars Jesse Jane, Carmen Luvana, Janine, Teagan Presley, Devon, Austyn Moore and Jenaveve Jolie.