Living Out Loud with Darian

There's quite a few talented black gay filmmakers that are making films for us and about us. Here's just a short list of films that are on my radar. This is not a comprehensive list so please forgive me if I left anyone out. I'm excited about these films and once you get a sneak peek at the trailers provided I'm sure you will be too.



BLUEPRINT

by director Kirk Shannon Butts. Set amidst the hustle of vibrant Harlem, a modern-day love story of two African American men, reserved college student Keith and street-smart Nathan. What ensues is a day of intimacy and passion for the unlikely couple, one that begins in the rhythm and chaos of the city, then travels via a motorcycle road trip away from the confines of the urban world and into the woods and beyond. As Keith and Nathan experience nature and each other, they strip away their clothing, their identities, and their masks to revel themselves to one another and the world.

Check out one of my favorite scenes from BLUEPRINT below. A special thank you to Kirk for sharing your film with me.






Finding Me

This story begins with a question, "What am I doing with my life?" Faybian Allen begins his journey to self discovery with the aid of his two best friends, Amera and Greg. He also plays the teacher at times to these friends as well. Faybien's father's disappointment looms over any of his achievements or progress towards self acceptance until a stranger enters his life. Lonnie's love for Faybien allows him to open his eyes, heart and mind.





Tongues Untied

Marlon Riggs’s portrayal of homophobia and racism caused controversy during Tongues Untied’s original 1991 airing on PBS’s P.O.V. series and contributed to the national debate about the National Endowment for the Arts funding for art with nudity, gay themes, and pointed political commentary. The remastered DVD includes an archival interview with director Marlon Riggs, and newly produced interviews with Isaac Julien, Phill Wilson, Juba Kalanka, and Herman Gray, as well as never-before-released deleted scenes.

Riggs’s stories are fierce examples of homophobia and racism: the man refused entry to a gay bar because of his color; the college student left bleeding on the sidewalk after a gay-bashing; the loneliness and isolation of the drag queen. The stories also affirm the black gay male experience: protest marches, smoky bars, “snap divas,” humorous musicology, and vogue dancing.






The Closet

Created by Maurice Townes & Kevin F. Allen, The CLOSET, offers informative, yet entertaining topics for its mature audience. It takes an indepth look at the lives of a multicultural array of characters -- Emory Lawson, Zachary Sledge, Isaiah Edwards, Nathaniel C. Bullock and his wife Sharon, Carol Henderson, Brice Hennedy, Jeanette Wellington and Ricardo Iglesias.

Serving a bold dose of human life which reflect real stories such as, STD awareness, forbidden love, manipulation, religion, AIDS and drug use, all instill thought provoking insight for viewers. The educational content of the series leaves audiences with a strong taste for more.

The CLOSET lifts the veil of controversy with its willingness to openly discuss the intimate and spiritual beliefs surrounding all lifestyles. The intrinsic web of love, mystery, lies, manipulation and deceit become quickly apparent, when viewers open the door to the first episode of The CLOSET.






The Color Of Courage

Tasha Moore's documentary The Color of Courage takes a look at the life of gay New York artist Daniel Freeman. The son of a minister, Daniel Freeman was born in South Ozone Park Queens, New York. Both his parents originally from the old segregated south being evangelical missionaries who instilled in him a feral sense of the gospel. His parents expected him to follow in their footsteps, but Daniel had other ideas. Rebelling against his parents stifling, literal interpretation of scripture, he left home at the tender age of sixteen and struck out to find his own truth.

To watch the trailer click here. Then click preview once you're on the page.

Coming Soon: Noah's Arc: Jumping The Broom(Patrick Ian Polk), B-Boy Blues(Maurice Jamal), The Day Eazy-E Died (Kirk Shannon Butts)