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

Groundbreaking documentary Being Black in Porn’s trailer premiered world-wide Juneteenth weekend, causing immediate attention and reaction, and in a full-circle moment the feature receives ReelOut Queer Film Festival’s Best Documentary (short or feature-length) award during Black History Month.

“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,” says Director of Being Black in Porn, Dwight Allen O’Neal. “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: 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. 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.

“This means the world to me. I’m humbled and grateful to Reelout for this big win,” says DeAngelo Jackson who in addition to narrating Being Black in Porn is also the film’s executive producer.  He selected the main cast for the documentary:  Dillion Diaz, Max Konnor, and Rock Rockfella, an industry legend who directed DeAngelo’s first scene in adult film. “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.”

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 Of The Clock Productions and adult production house Noir Male.  The film trailer can be viewed here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CQP3yP6j8Ny/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

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.