KINGSTON, Ontario — The ReelOut Film Festival has bestowed its "Best Documentary" award upon "Being Black in Porn," the indie film centered on DeAngelo Jackson, Dillon Diaz, Rock Rockafella, Max Konnor and others.
Jackson also serves as narrator and executive producer. The film, directed by Dwight Allen O'Neal and produced by Mile High Media in association with Noir Male and Of The Clock Productions, follows the lives of four gay men of color as they navigate their way in a competitive and often complicated adult film industry.
“I want to thank everyone involved in this project and ReelOut for not only accepting our feature into their festival but awarding us 'Best Documentary,'” O’Neal said. “This honor is especially impactful during Black History Month; we want to leave a lasting mark and start conversations with this documentary, delving into triggering topics [about] gay, BIPOC, sex workers. Our hope is that our documentary creates a better understanding of these men and sends a message to everyone that #BlackLivesMatter everywhere, in everything and within every industry."
The film examines the unique experiences of the performers, including encounters with racism, such as being cast in servant roles or as thugs, noted a rep, and facing white performers who refuse to perform with them because of the color of their skin. O'Neal also tackles stereotypes, such Black talent expected to have large penises and made to bottom when they do not, and inequality, as Black actors report making less money than their white counterparts.
“This means the world to me. I’m humbled and grateful to ReelOut for this big win,” Jackson said.
"I appreciate everyone who was willing to go on camera and speak their truth for our documentary; it’s a story that needs to be shared," he added. "I hope 'Being Black in Porn' continues to win accolades and is seen all over the world."
Find a complete list of ReelOut winners here.
Follow Noir Male and DeAngelo Jackson on Twitter.
