‘Mama’s Boy’ Trailer: Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black Tells The Story Of His Mom, Mormonism, Gay Rights Activism & More

When is it time to revisit our past? Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black explores his own story in “Mama’s Boy.” The HBO documentary looks at Black’s experience of being a young gay man in the American south and the close connection that shaped his entire life. ‘Boy’ is based on the writer’s memoir “Mama’s Boy: A Story from our Americas.”

Black speaks directly about a mother whose life was far from easy – their bonds would only strengthen when he came out at 21. The project also relies on interviews with those who know the creative best. Tom Daley, Black’s husband, and Olympic Gold Medalist, along with some of the writer’s extended family, offer a look at the personal life behind the personality. Human Rights Campaign’s former president Chad Griffin, as well as Equality Utah executive director Troy Willams, speak to the screenwriter’s activism.

READ MORE: ‘Under The Banner Of Heaven’: Dustin Lance Black On His New Mini-Series & Real-Life Struggle With The Mormon Faith [Bingeworthy Podcast]

The film’s official synopsis:

MAMA’S BOY” centers around the upbringing of the Academy Award®-winning screenwriter of “Milk,” Dustin Lance Black. Traveling back to the places where he grew up, Black explores his childhood roots, gay identity, and close relationship with his mother, who overcame childhood polio, abusive marriages, and Mormon dogma while becoming Black’s emotional rock and, ultimately, the inspiration for his activism. With a wealth of personal photographs and candid memories from Black’s family, colleagues, and friends, MAMA’S BOY embraces the personal to tell a universally hopeful tale of resilience and reconciliation through the power of love and shared stories.

Learn the true story of activist and writer Dustin Lance Black when “Mama’s Boy” premieres on HBO. It debuts on the network as well as streaming service HBO Max on October 18. Watch the documentary’s trailer below.