The Justin Simien film stars: Tyler James Williams, Tessa Thompson, Kyle Gallner, Brandon Bell, Teyonah Parris, and Dennis Haysbert. The storyline revolves around a fictitious Ivy League campus and the issue of identity politics. The movie's main conflict arises when a riot breaks out over a popular 'African American' themed party thrown by white students.
It originally debuted at the Sundance Film Festival back in January 2014 and was the winner of the "Special Jury Prize." The satire and comedic attributes to the film are perfect combinations for the controversial conversations that take place. It is reminiscent of a Spike Lee film, full of brash comments, but with an underlying meaning that accelerates necessary discussions on issues that are affecting the African-American demographic.
It originally debuted at the Sundance Film Festival back in January 2014 and was the winner of the "Special Jury Prize." The satire and comedic attributes to the film are perfect combinations for the controversial conversations that take place. It is reminiscent of a Spike Lee film, full of brash comments, but with an underlying meaning that accelerates necessary discussions on issues that are affecting the African-American demographic.
According to Variety.com, the premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival, “evoked a mix of raucous laughter and uncomfortable silences.” Director Simien insists that the film deals with more than racial issues and although it is one of the driving forces in the film he says, "“The conflict of who you are and who you show to the world — that’s a universal situation.”
It has caused quite a stir among many communities for being too controversial of a topic to be discussed and even been attacked by some who claim, "It's just a 1950s based film with 2014 dialogue." Quite frankly, I think it is an empowering movie that will reflect the struggle of identity in the world and the fight a young African-American collegiate coed would face at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI).
The film is set to release October 17, 2014. The cast of the film hope that it makes the public start to think about these issues, writer-director Justin Simien added:
“I want people to walk away from the film feeling some kind of way. I want [viewers] to have enjoyed themselves but even more so I want there to be some sort of thing in them that is kind of disturbed that they have to talk about.”What do you think about the film Dear White People? Is it too risqué for modern-day release? Or are you satisfied with the recurring themed-films like 12-Years a Slave or D'Jango? Post your thoughts below!
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