Dalton’s Dream

In 2018, Dalton Harris, a young musician from rural Jamaica became the first Black man to win The X Factor UK. Filmed over four years, this coming-of-age documentary follows Dalton as he struggles for fame, love, and acceptance whilst battling dangerous allegations about his sexuality and spiralling mental health.

With the X Factor victory came a lucrative record deal that promised to transform Dalton’s life. This achievement did not bring him immediate hits and big shows, however, causing Dalton to descend into a period of self-doubt and depression. A lot of it had to do with the vicious homophobic reaction to his success in his home country Jamaica, a country where sex between men is illegal.  

The documentary Dalton’s Dream follows him during the years after his X Factor success. We see him returning to Jamaica, where he visits the house where he suffered neglect and abuse during his childhood. Back in London, we see him struggling with his mental health and his career. And maybe most importantly: with what he wants to share about his sexuality.