The Heat: As a very seasoned actor, do you think there’s anything you could have done differently to help the movement of putting out positive, inspiring, and dignified film?
Dorsey: No, I’ve always been on the front-line, but the work still isn’t done. I did my very first film in 1972, “Book of Numbers” with Raymond St. Jacques, Phillip Michael Thomas, and Freda Payne. When I came into the business I was really blessed that I had a chance to see, not only an African American director, but producers, and crew members as well. I got a chance to see the whole tapestry of us working not only in front of the camera, but also behind it. I was very fortunate to see those position of power being held by African Americans. As I continued to grow, not only as an actor, but also as a filmmaker I was very conscious of the importance of us to be a part of a project in front of and behind the camera. When I started to see work dry up for African American filmmakers, actors, and actresses, I became proactive because I had been a part of the movement where we were capable of not only doing great films, but putting folks to work. But here’s one of the most important things, it was in a variety of projects not just one type of project. There wasn’t just one filmmaker, like today, that was getting all the praise and all the money. See, I understand the game that’s going down. It’s about divide and conquer. Those filmmakers in the 70’s and 80’s were all so conscious of everybody having an opportunity unlike today. Today too many African American Filmmakers hoard an opportunity and keep people out instead of welcoming other young actors and other young filmmakers in. Again that’s why I had to be a producer on “King’s of the Evening” because it was important to me to make a statement. That you know, we don’t have to wait for Hollywood to define us or our stories or tell us who our stars are. 
The Heat: We’ll you’ve made that clear over the years with the many stands you’ve taken Boycotting.
Dorsey: This is something I’ve always been very conscious of in Hollywood. Whether it was boycotting my own Screen Actors Guild back in the 80’s because actors of color weren’t getting opportunities in Hollywood or boycotting the Oscar’s because African American actors and actresses weren’t getting a significant amount of Oscar nominations. I’ve been on the frontline for a long, long, long time because I care and truly love my work.
The Heat: What is the most important part of the work you do today?
Dorsey: I want my work and my actions, to be an example to others. I carry the spirits of my ancestors with me daily and I stand on their sacrifice. We could have used a lot more financial help when we were putting “Kings of the Evening” together to help get it made and that too has to change for better African American films to be made.
The Heat: Why do you think the film didn’t get the support it deserved?
Dorsey: It’s about what I alluded to before; divide and conquer. If you’re not fitting a certain mold, such as comedy and urban genre, then you have a hard road to hoe. If I were out here doing drive by films or if I was out here doing, “buckcoonery”, which is a new name I’ve coined, if I was doing those types of projects I’d be working all the time and money would be available.
The Heat: What is something else you feel that filmmakers aren’t aware of when they’re making these “buckcoonery” films?
Dorsey: We forget that these projects we make in America travel internationally. The world actually sees who we are and how we carry ourselves based on the film and the music we do. We are judged by that. People who don’t necessarily have a vested interest in film, say a Black doctor, lawyer, or just the average Black person able to afford the luxury of travel, when they travel abroad they get treated a certain way by people in other countries based on what they’ve seen about Black people in American films. For those who don’t understand the affects of images, they have no further to look than at ourselves right here at home. Our kids killing each other over shoes, money, drugs and young brothers with there pants down to their knees. These images are embraced by the media and film industry. We must do and deserve better.
The Heat: Back to “King’s of the Evening”, how has the film been accepted worldwide?
Dorsey: Not beating my own chest, but I know we made a good film. We took a huge risk doing an Independent Period Drama. How many independent filmmakers are doing them Black or White? You have to have heart to play this game. The international audience continues to grow and are showing love. I’ve shown the film in different venues and received support in the numbers of tens of thousands. “Kings of the Evening is a great film” I’ve been told by the African American audience in particular, 
who is grossly under served diverse images of itself and to me that has made every battle I’ve fought worthwhile.
The Heat: Yes it does.
The Heat: I have truly enjoyed you sharing all this great information with The Heat Magazine.
Dorsey: I just want to say this to you Nik. I appreciate people like yourself for having the will to reach out to those of us who in Hollywood’s eyes my not be stars and support what we’re doing. It’s not up to Hollywood to make our stars, it’s up to us. Thank you so much Nik and The Heat Magazine.
The Heat: It’s not per say me, it’s God. I’m just a vessel that God is using to bring people like yourself and your story to the forefront. I’m blessed when I bless others. So I truly thank you for recognizing what The Heat is doing and what we’re about.
The Heat: Any last minute thoughts you’d like to share before we get out of here?
Dorsey: Yes, Nik, if you don’t put anything else in this interview please make sure you share this. It’s not Hollywood anymore, it’s us. We have to make positive changes for ourselves and we have the power. It’s now up to us to use it. There are always going to be things in the world that are going to challenge us, but if we aren’t together and supporting one another, then those things will destroy us when we come up against them.
Reginald T. Dorsey, an amazing actor/filmmaker who all of you should take something from what he’s shared with us. No matter if it’s from the entertainment industry or from our everyday lives, we need to become more aware of how we portray ourselves which reflects who we are as a person and as a people.
We applaud you Reginald T. Dorsey and the entire cast and crew of “Kings of the Evening”. It’s a wonderful story to share with your entire family. If you haven’t seen it please pickup your copy at:
Target, Best Buy, Amazon.com or visit Reginald T. Dorsey on Facebook or follow him on twitter to track the progress and support this film is still generating.
Much Love! One Love
Feel “The Heat”
Photos courtesy of: Ron Betrone
http://www.facebook.com/reginald.t.dorsey
http://twitter.com/#!/REGINALDTDORSEY
http://www.kingsoftheevening.com
http://youtu.be/d8ysALcfvJ0
