The gay-themed film Dirty Laundry received two of the highest honors at The 10th Annual American Black Film Festival in Miami on July 23. The film, from writer/director Maurice Jamal (The Ski Trip), won The Audience Award for Best U.S. Feature, with star Loretta Devine taking home The Audience Award for Best Performance by an Actor.

Dirty Laundry tells the story of Patrick (Rockmond Dunbar), a successful, black gay man living in New York City who is suddenly called back to his Southern hometown, forcing him to confront his religious, traditional family, including his steadfast mother, Evelyn (Divine). As family secrets are revealed one after another, Patrick must tell a few secrets of his own.

"Winning those two awards has set a precedent and this film will help define the future of how our stories are told," said executive producer Adrienne Lopez. "This film is the tip of the iceberg for [Maurice] Jamal."

Dirty Laundry is hitting 12 film festivals this summer, making stops in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and New Orleans. It is scheduled for a limited release later this year.

To visit the offical site of the American Black Film Festival, please click here.

Related Article:

247gay.com - July 25, 2006
Human Rights Campaign applauds 'groundbreaking' film at American Black Film Festival