Dalton’s Dream

Dalton's Dream

26th TIDF: Greek Premiere

In December 2018, Dalton Harris became the first foreigner and black man to win the UK X-Factor and a recording deal that promised to change his life forever. Filmed over three years, this documentary follows 24-year-old Dalton as he journeys from Jamaica to London to capitalise on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity whilst battling trauma from his childhood and rumours about homosexuality. Charting an extraordinary rise, the film follows Dalton starting a lavish life in London, launching his first single on UK television to 1.7 million viewers and, in secret, falling in love with his new boyfriend. But then a photo emerges of Dalton on the lap of another man. He starts receiving homophobic death threats from people back in Jamaica - a nation with one of the highest rates of anti-LGBTQ violence in the world. As his social media fills with hate, Dalton’s single flops and he suffers a mental health breakdown. Haunted by the trauma of his past and the prejudice in his present, Dalton is left on the verge of suicide. Α coming-of-age film about a young man searching for love and acceptance with extraordinary spirit and belief despite facing astounding prejudice. It’s an inspirational story and a celebration of musical excellence, from the gospel and reggae of rural Jamaica to the urban pop of multicultural London.

Screening Schedule

No physical screenings scheduled.


Direction: Kim Longinotto, Franky Murray Brown
Cinematography: Franky Murray Brown, Kim Longinotto
Editing: Ollie Huddleston
Music: Chelsea Carmichael
Production: Sungazer Limited
Producers: Lorine Plagnol
Co-producers: Franky Murray Brown
Executive producer: Kevin Jennings, Ted Snowdon, Anna Godas, Oli harbottle, Ana Vicente, Derren Lawford
Format: DCP
Color: Color
Production Country: UK, USA
Production Year: 2023
Duration: 90'
Contact: Dogwoof

Kim Longinotto

Filmography

1982 Underage
1990 Hidden Faces
1993 The Good Wife of Tokyo
1998 Divorce Iranian Style
2001 Runaway
2005 Sisters in Law
2008 Rough Aunties
2013 Salma
2015 Dreamcatcher
2019 Shooting the Mafia
2023 Dalton’s Dream (co-direction)

Franky Murray Brown

Filmography

2023 Dalton’s Dream (co-direction)