"Trekkies 2," the sequel to the original fandom documentary "Trekkies" made in 1997, was screened before cast, crew and supporters last night at the Paramount Theater, drawing raucous laughter and rapturous applause.

Covering a broader spectrum of the Star Trek fan base than the original, "Trekkies 2" seeks to validate several aspects of fandom — the fun of being part of that world, the uniqueness of the individual, and the shared experience of attending conventions, collecting, playing in bands and, perhaps most importantly, being creative.

Star Trek stars attending the screening included Casey Biggs, Dominic Keating and Vaughn Armstrong, who were among the many celebrity interviewees in the film. Denise Crosby, executive producer and on-screen star of the documentary, hosted the event along with director/editor Roger Nygard and producer Michael Leahy.

"I'm here to tell you that Trekkies are everywhere!" exclaimed Leahy as he took the podium before the packed theater. "We spent all of last year roaming — not L.A., not the United States — but the world." He mentioned that "Trekkies 2" was filmed in eight different countries including the U.S., and edited down from over 150 hours of footage.

Crosby spoke also, expressing appreciation for all the Star Trek fans "who have graciously allowed us to come into their homes with cameras and film their personal lives, and do it with such humor and such dignity."

Nygard thanked the numerous people who helped make the film possible, including many in the audience who were profiled in the film. Among those were Gabriel Koerner, the young fan who became famous from the first "Trekkies" and was featured again as an adult for the sequel (he also did the film's visual effects). Others recognized included Italian priest Father Bernie Carman and several Trek tribute bands from Sacramento, such as "No Kill I," "Stovokor" and "Warp 11," and many others who came great distances to attend the event.

"I really enjoyed making this documentary, because I really loved the people we met," Nygard said. "There's something very positive about them as a group, a very positive energy. It gives us, I think, something we can all strive toward."

In a tongue-in-cheek vein, Nygard added that for the sequel, "We had a more modest goal this time — we simply wanted to make a movie that was at least more entertaining than 'The Matrix 3.'"

"Trekkies 2" will premiere publicly at the Newport Beach Film Festival next Tuesday, April 20. The following Sunday, April 25, it will show at the USA Film Festival in Dallas, Texas. After further screenings on the festival circuit and possibly at conventions, the movie will follow on DVD in late summer. Keep track of the latest screening and release information at Trekkies2.com.