Virginia Film Festival

Adapted from Black’s memoir Mama’s Boy: A Story from our Americas, this retrospective documentary chronicles the life story of Dustin Lance Black, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of the 2008 film Milk, the 2011 film J. Edgar, and FX series Under the Banner of Heaven. Beginning with Black’s early life, the film examines his childhood roots, identity as a gay man, and close relationship with his mother, Anne. No stranger to hardship, Anne grew up a conservative Mormon from the American south while plagued by various medical ailments—her own story of perseverance serving as emotional support for Black and inspiring his fervent activism. Director Laurent Bouzereau weaves archival photographs and candid memories from friends and family to create a promising tale of resilience and reconciliation.

Presentation of Changemaker Award to Dustin Lance Black by Glenn Williamson (VAFF Board)
Discussion with subject Dustin Lance Black, moderated by Bilal Qureshi (NPR)

DUSTIN LANCE BLACK
Director, Writer, Producer and LGBTQIA+ activist Dustin Lance Black won a Best Screenplay Oscar Award^® for Milk. Other career highlights include J. Edgar (screenplay) and producing, directing, and writing Under The Banner of Heaven. He is a founding board member of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, and was a key leader in overturning California’s Proposition 8.