Welcome to Winchester University, an amalgam of predominantly white ivy league colleges. It is here that Writer, Director, Producer Justin Simien sets the tone for Dear White People, a satirical look at the serious problem of race in what many have dubbed post-racial America. Sorry White People, but race is very present and accounted for and Simien is not only aware, but touches on the subject and it's difficulties from both sides. So well that he has garnered comparisons to Spike Lee, as his feature has all the trappings of a 40 Acres and a Mule Production.
Dear White People stars Tessa Thompson (Selma) as Sam White, a campus radio personality and self-published author of Ebony & Ivy, a scathing, sarcastic read that questions one's "blackness". While the movie loosely centers on Sam and her own issues of racial identity and obligation, it also fleshes out each of it's characters in all too familiar situations. Drawing on his experiences at Chapman University, Simien includes the preppy & proper brother, passive homosexual, stereotypical loud sista, racially insensitive frat boys and the list goes on. Sam is at odds with both the Dean Fairbanks (Dennis Haysbert), her ex-boyfriend's father and the school's president over her progressive approach on campus. A reality TV show producer searching for talent is enamored with her personality moreso than Coco (Teyonah Parris: Survivor's Remorse, Mad Men) who desires the presumed fame/fortune that she believes comes with it. The spark? Lionel Higgins (Tyler Williams: Everybody Hates Chris), a gay aspiring writer who has chosen to make Sam the center of a piece that hopefully secures his spot on the student paper's staff. The fuel? An entitled group of frat boys' Unleash Your Inner Negro Party. Yes, blackface ensues.
There is much social commentary amongst the laughs and Simien weaves it together eloquently. It's smart, sharp and earned him honours at the 2104 Cannes Film Festival with good reason. Again, although Simien will continue to make socially conscious features, he doesn't want to be compared to Spike Lee as he's concerned with the pigeon-holing he feels will accompany it. Although Lee is a respected filmmaker on his list, he places Woody Allen higher in terms of influence. No worries. He is young and has time, with which he will likely explore more and establish his own identity. This is a good thing. In the words of Micah Sierra Williams, "Don't worry, I'll wait..."
If you're open minded, you'll enjoy Dear White People, no matter WHAT colour you are. 4 Mics.
Peep the trailer here...
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