‘Being Black in Porn’ Wins ReelOut Queer Film Festival’s ‘Best Documentary’

“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,” said the film’s director Dwight Allen O’Neal.

“This honor is especially impactful during Black History Month,” O’Neal continued. “We want to leave a lasting mark and start conversations with this documentary, delving into triggering topics: gay, BIPOC, sex workers. Our hope is that our documentary creates a better understanding of these men and sends a message to everyone that Black Lives Matter everywhere, in everything and within every industry.”

Directed by Dwight Allen O’Neal and narrated by GAYVN 2020 Best Actor and 2021 Performer of The Year Award winner DeAngelo Jackson, Being Black in Porn follows the lives of four gay men of color as they navigate their way in the competitive and often complicated adult film industry. Jackson selected the main cast for the documentary: Dillion Diaz, Max Konnor and Rock Rockfella, an industry legend who directed Jackson’s first scene in adult film.

“This means the world to me. I’m humbled and grateful to ReelOut for this big win,” Jackson said, who, in addition to narrating Being Black in Porn, is also the film’s executive producer. “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. I hope Being Black in Porn continues to win accolades and is seen all over the world.”

Through interviews with the men in NYC, Chicago, Las Vegas and LA, the film examines their unique experiences including their encounters with racism (being cast in servant roles or as thugs; also, facing white performers who refuse to perform with them because of the color of their skin), stereotypes (black talent are expected to have large penises and they’re made to bottom when they do not) and inequality (though “BBC films” is one of the most searched terms in porn, black actors report making less money than their white counterparts). In addition to their time behind the camera, Being Black in Porn delves into the personal lives of the men, exploring the impact their careers have on their real worlds, on social media and in the global Black Lives Matter movement.

Jackson started his career in 2009 and is now in his fourth year as Noir Male’s exclusive contract performer. Jackson was born in Germany, raised in Georgia and studied Criminal Justice at Florida State University, and he entered the adult industry as a way to make extra money in college.

Being Black in Porn is distributed by Mile High in association with Of The Clock Productions and adult production house Noir Male. The film trailer can be viewed here: instagram.com/tv/CQP3yP6j8Ny/

The full list of ReelOut Queer Film Festival award recipients can be found here: reelout.com/2022/02/2022-reelout-film-fest-award-recipients-announced/