Film & TV

Starring: Jenifer Lewis, Dyllón Burnside, Bernard David Jones & Thomas Hobson

Adapted from the Memoir Written by George Matthew Johnson

Directed, Adapted & Produced by Nathan Hale Williams

Non-binary author and journalist, George Matthew Johnson’s transparent and sparkling memoir, All Boys Aren’t Blue is the perfect source material for this film, which highlights three pivotal moments in George’s life that shaped their understanding of their place in the world. The way in which George unapologetically and skillfully chronicles their story of growing up Black and queer in America, challenging gender identity norms as well as learning to adapt to HIV/AIDS is indeed a manifesto for our society to look at the issues of Black masculinity and Black queerness in relationship to Blackness.

Being able to translate George’s word into a cinematic experience was indeed a cathartic gift as it harkened to many memories of my own childhood growing up Black and gay on Chicago’s southside. However, as specific as George’s essays are each one is equally universal and broadly relatable. We’ve all dealt with feelings of otherness and questioning our space and purpose in society. From the memories of getting their teeth kicked out by bullies at age five, to flea marketing with George’s loving grandmother, to pledging a Black Greek fraternity, this film highlights and dramatizes pivotal aspects depicted in George’s bestselling and acclaimed young-adult memoir.

All Boys Aren’t Blue weaves together the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys. It also captures the essence of fighting to define yourself and your life on your own terms. With stellar performances from Jenifer Lewis, Dyllón Burnside, Bernard David Jones and Thomas Hobson, this film not only brings to life George’s amazing words; it also lights a flame for all of us to live our lives authentically and out loud.

All Boys Aren’t Blue is the filmed dramatic reading of three chapters from the NY Times Bestselling memoir by George M. Johnson. Starring Jenifer Lewis, Dyllón Burnside, Bernard David Jones and Thomas Hobson, the 2022 GLAAD Media Award winning film highlights three pivotal moments in George’s life that chronicle their story of growing up Black and queer in America. All Boys Aren’t Blue combines artistic elements of a staged reading and incorporates documentary footage from the author’s home life, archival footage and animation. It is a manifesto for our society to look at the issues of Black masculinity and Black queerness in relationship to Blackness. (40 mins. Dir. Nathan Hale Williams)

Executive Producers: Karamo Brown, James Cole, Jr., Richard E. Pelzer II, & D’Angelo Thompson

Producers: Joyce Washington & Travis Winfrey

The film is available for corporate and community Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programming.

Each of the programs utilize BURDEN to open a safe space discussion around: 1) implicit and explicit bias; 2) discrimination and race; and, 3) how all impact the workplace and/or the community. Each program is customizable and tailored to the specific needs of the client organization.

Corporate Client Testimonials

“BURDEN the Movie is a great movie that generates a dialogue that is so needed today. The movie creates a comfortable space to have an uncomfortable conversation that leads to increased understanding, awareness, and ultimately strategies for change. I highly recommend this movie if you are serious about moving from conversations about diversity to creating environments that foster true inclusion and equity.” – Marion E. Brooks, VP & US Country Head of Diversity & Inclusion for NOVARTIS

“Screening the film Burden with our colleagues led to a great discussion of the unequal burdens that different members of society have, and how that can bleed over into the workplace. Everyone who attended left with something to think about, and consider as we interact with one another in the workplace.” - Vanessa Foltyn Roman, AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD LLP

“Room & Board is an American modern furniture and home furnishings retailer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our consumers are diverse and we want our company and workforce to reflect the diversity of our customer. Having the pleasure of screening, BURDEN at our 2020 Black History Month celebration event aligned with the core values of our corporate culture and sharing this experience with our team members became a unique teachable moment by creating an innovative and comfortable space for conversations around bias, diversity and inclusion.” – ROOM & BOARD

“The film, BURDEN is a beautiful reminder that we all are subject to the same love, light and judgment. It was a great tool for our company to showcase how we all play a part in the unconscious biases of our society. The film and program showcased, in a great way, how our biases show up in every day life and in the workplace.” – Lolita Morrow, Senior Director, Showtime Networks