LOS ANGELES—Exactly one year after the Juneteenth weekend premiere of the trailer for documentary Being Black in Porn, the movie was awarded Best Documentary at the Lightbox International Film Festival.
“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,” said director Dwight Allen O’Neal. “What a wonderful way to celebrate the one-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.”
Narrated by GayVN 2020 Best Actor and 2021 Performer of the Year 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 industry. Through interviews with the men in NYC, Chicago, Las Vegas and L.A., the movie 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, 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,” said Jackson, who also executive produced the movie. “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 the GayVN Best Actor and Performer of the Year titles. 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 industry success.
Being Black in Porn is being distributed by Mile High Media in association with Off the Clock Productions and Mile High banner Noir Male. The movie previously won Best Documentary at the 2022 ReelOut Film Fest. View the trailer here.
The Lightbox International Film Festival seeks projects pushing the boundaries of moviemaking, aiming to be an advocate for independent moviemakers with a unique vision and showcase their work to a larger audience.
Noir Male blends classic elegance with modern style, showcasing men of color in a full range of sexuality and fantasy fullmint. It was Awarded Cybersocket’s 2020 Best Black Site Award and 2019 Best New Site Award.
