I had never heard of the artist Dalton Harris when I saw this documentary. From Jamaica, he came to England in 2018 to take part in the music competition X-factor UK.
I thought this was a documentary about an artist and would primarily be about the music. I was wrong. The documentary does not concentrate on the talent of Harris, but on his big problems in his native Jamaica, where he was labeled as gay. With the very negative reactions this entailed. Instead of pride that Dalton Harris took England by storm with his amazing voice, this is about homophobia.
I read Boy George's autobiography many years ago. In it he writes about a holiday in Jamaica in the 80s where people screamed Dirty Babylon at him in the streets. This documentary shows that such negative attitudes are still present. The fact that Dalton has not even come out as queer makes no difference to the clips we see of furious people berating him in various recordings. Terrifying.
Even his own family is affected by the bullying. (which they think is his fault!)
So this movie experience was completely different than intended for me. But made a far greater impression.
The film addresses an important, persistent theme. In many, many countries it is dangerous to be gay. The fact that Dalton Harris has become a big celebrity and singer means nothing in that regard.
There are probably many in Jamaica and other countries that prohibit homosexuality who are accepting of queers. Nevertheless, it is frightening to see which attitudes towards queers are alive and well.
The documentary also shows some of his unique talent as a singer.
The documentary is low-key and shows homophobia closely and in-depth. It is provocative, sad and shocking to witness.
Let's hope that such documentaries can contribute a little to making the world a little better and more enlightened. There is a long way to go.
I thought this was a documentary about an artist and would primarily be about the music. I was wrong. The documentary does not concentrate on the talent of Harris, but on his big problems in his native Jamaica, where he was labeled as gay. With the very negative reactions this entailed. Instead of pride that Dalton Harris took England by storm with his amazing voice, this is about homophobia.
I read Boy George's autobiography many years ago. In it he writes about a holiday in Jamaica in the 80s where people screamed Dirty Babylon at him in the streets. This documentary shows that such negative attitudes are still present. The fact that Dalton has not even come out as queer makes no difference to the clips we see of furious people berating him in various recordings. Terrifying.
Even his own family is affected by the bullying. (which they think is his fault!)
So this movie experience was completely different than intended for me. But made a far greater impression.
The film addresses an important, persistent theme. In many, many countries it is dangerous to be gay. The fact that Dalton Harris has become a big celebrity and singer means nothing in that regard.
There are probably many in Jamaica and other countries that prohibit homosexuality who are accepting of queers. Nevertheless, it is frightening to see which attitudes towards queers are alive and well.
The documentary also shows some of his unique talent as a singer.
The documentary is low-key and shows homophobia closely and in-depth. It is provocative, sad and shocking to witness.
Let's hope that such documentaries can contribute a little to making the world a little better and more enlightened. There is a long way to go.
