Based on the book of the same name, All Boys Aren’t Blue is a fitting translation creatively done, full of love joy and nuance. The short film, which is directed, adapted and produced by Nathan Hale Williams is a filmed dramatic reading of three chapters from the book. Jenifer Lewis (“Black-ish”), Dyllon Burnside (“Pose”), Bernard David Jones (“The Mayor”) and Thomas Hobson (“Sherman’s Showcase”) bring passion and pathos to writer George M. Johnson’s words in this dramatic reading of his book.
Each of the characters represent a Johnson at different stages of his life. The memoir is an autobiographical recounting of trails, tribulations and triumphs that have made George M. Johnson into the person they are today.
The screening will be accompanied by a discussion with Black Gay London-based writers, playwrights and theatre makers to discuss the opportunities and hurdles of making work for, by and about Black Gay Men and our lives.
Speakers include:
Paul Mendez (Rainbow Milk)
Paul Mendez is a London-based Jamaican-British novelist. His first book, RAINBOW MILK, was a 2020 Observer "Top Ten Best Debuts" choice, and a 2021 American Booksellers’ Association "Indies Introduce" pick. RAINBOW MILK was shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize, the Jhalak Prize and the Polari First Novel Prize. Mendez writes fiction reviews for the London Review of Books, and is adapting RAINBOW MILK for TV.
Instagram: @PxxlMxndxz
Dior Clarke (Batty Boy)
Dior Clarke was born and raised in North London. Performing arts was always a fascination which sparked his interest in acting. After completing 6th form he went on to train at the London School of Dramatic Arts.
After graduating in 2014 he joined the National Youth theatre. Whilst working part time in various bars and theatres, Dior was scouted by an agent and went on to perform in various professional theatre productions, music videos. and films.
In 2018 he wrote, directed and acted the lead in his own short film Batty Boy, a Sky-Arts and Creative England production. Still wanting to build upon his craft he went on to do a MA in acting at The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts.
Since graduating in 2019 His most recent work includes his own semi autobiographical stage play ‘Passion Fruit’ performed at the Glory and Baby Boy a film coming to film 4 this year. Dior continues to tell the stories we never see like Batty Boy and Passion Fruit to inspire people. He believes that you should never let someone tell you, you can't do something. If have a dream you’ve gotta protect it.
Twitter: @DiorClarke | Instagram: @DiorClarke_
Jason Okundaye
Jason Okundaye was born to British-Nigerian parents in South London in 1997. He writes essays, features, and profiles on politics and culture for publications such as the Guardian, the London Review of Books, British Vogue, GQ, Vice, Dazed, and i-D. He also co-curates the digital archive ‘Black and Gay, Back in the Day’ documenting Black LGBT life in Britain since the 1970s. He holds a first class degree in Human, Social and Political Science from Pembroke College, University of Cambridge.
His first book, Revolutionary Acts, a social history of Black gay men in Britain, will be published by Faber in spring 2024.
Twitter: @jasebyjason | Instagram: @jasebyjason