Exactly one year after the groundbreaking documentary Being Black in Porn’s trailer premiered world-wide Juneteenth weekend, the feature received Lightbox International Film Festival’s Best Documentary award.
“I want to thank everyone involved in this project and Lightbox for accepting our feature into their international festival and honoring us with the Best Documentary award,” says Director of Being Black in Porn, Dwight Allen O’Neal. “What a wonderful way to celebrate the 1-year mark for the feature, from trailer release to now being a multi-award-winning Best Documentary! Our hope is that our documentary creates a better understanding of gay, BIPOC sex workers and sends a message to everyone that Black Lives Matter everywhere 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. 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.
“I’m humbled and beyond grateful for the film’s continued positive recognition. This being our second ‘Best Documentary’ award is unexpected and inspiring. Thank you to Lightbox for this honor,” says DeAngelo Jackson the film’s executive producer and narrator of Being Black in Porn. “I appreciate Dillion Diaz, Max Konnor and Rock Rockafella for agreeing to be a part of this project, along will all who spoke their truth for our documentary. What a dream to know it’s reaching an international audience.”
DeAngelo Jackson is the first black man to win a GAYVN Best Actor Award in 2020 and the most coveted GAYVN Performer of The Year 2021 title, from the adult film industry’s equivalent to the Oscars. He 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. He entered the adult industry as a way to make extra money in college. Having never been with a man or woman, Jackson lost his virginity on camera. He doesn’t regret any choices he has made and maintains a happy relationship with his supportive family who say they are proud of all of his adult film success.
Being Black in Porn is being distributed by Mile High in association with Off The Clock Productions and adult production house Noir Male. The feature won Reelout Film Fest 2022 Best Documentary. The film trailer can be viewed here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/ CQP3yP6j8Ny/?utm_source=ig_ web_copy_link
Lightbox Independent Film Festival seeks films pushing the boundaries of filmmaking. Aiming to be an advocate for independent filmmakers with a unique vision and showcase their work to a larger audience.
Noir Male celebrates the full range of sexuality and fantasy fulfillment, in a product that breaks free from the stereotypes and conventions of typical gay porn. No body part is off-limits, and no desires out of reach, in scorching hot encounters, where sexual preconceptions are left behind. Noir Male blends classic elegance with modern style, showcasing men of color, as sensual, sexual and unapologetically fine. Awarded Cybersocket’s 2020 Best Black Site Award; 2019 Best New Site Award.
Mile High has been a pillar of the adult industry for over 30 years. The Canadian managed company began as a Canadian licensee for American adult movies, ensuring it distributed only the highest quality content. Understanding the diverse and ever-changing needs of its consumer base, Mile High determined the best way to provide a wide array of superior entertainment was to produce its own content. In 2003, Mile High launched Doghouse Digital, the first of its acclaimed lines catering to specific niches. Market trends and demand led Mile High to then create Sweetheart Video (lesbian line), Sweet Sinner (couple’s erotica line), Reality Junkies (reality gonzo line), BiEmpire (bisexual reality gonzo line), Icon Male (gay romance line), TransSensual (Trans romance line) and Noir Male (gay BIPOC line). With over 2500 titles, Mile High’s studios yield some of the most viewed adult movies in the world, available on all platforms, including broadcast, IPTV, VOD, DVD and mobile applications. Mile High is a continual trendsetter, earning AEBN.net Studio of the Year title and FSC Production Company of the Year award.