Dear White People (HBO)

About Dear White People

Dear White People, released in 2014, is a satirical drama-comedy film directed by Justin Simien. Inspired by Simien’s own university experiences, the film explores racial identity in post-racial America as racial tensions at a predominately white university escalate and a campus culture war between blacks and whites erupts.

Making / Production

The film marks Simien's directorial debut, after his conceptual trailer for the film went viral in 2012. Notably produced by Code Red, Homegrown Pictures, Mandalay and Roadside Attractions, the film garnered critical acclaim as a clever and insightful exploration of racial dynamics.

Actors

• Tessa Thompson as Samantha White: A strong-willed, biracial film student who hosts the controversial radio show 'Dear White People'. Thompson played the role powerfully, effortlessly juggling Samantha's multifaceted personality and complex emotions.
• Tyler James Williams as Lionel Higgins: Tyler portrays an introverted, gay African-American student struggling with his identity. His sensitive portrayal showcased the internalized struggle of Lionel's character.
• Kyle Gallner as Kurt Fowler: Gallner plays Kurt, the racially insensitive editor of a campus humor magazine who provokes controversy. His role was compelling as the film’s antagonist.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title of the movie, Dear White People, is derived from the provocative radio show hosted by one of the film's main characters, Samantha White.
• Although the film's plot revolves around an Ivy League college, it was actually filmed at the University of Minnesota.
• Director Justin Simien drew inspiration from his own college experiences.

Awards

The film earned various accolades and nominations. It won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Talent at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Justin Simien also received a nod for the Directors Award.

Quotes

• “Dear White People, the minimum requirement of black friends needed to not seem racist has been raised to two. Sorry, but your weed man, Tyrone, does not count.” – Samantha White
• “You’re not like what I thought you were like. You’re not just some stuck-up biracial bitch.” – Colandrea ‘Coco’ Conners to Samantha White
• “Just because you decide not to care about something, Lionel, doesn't make it go away.” – Samantha White to Lionel Higgins

Music, Soundtrack

• “The Illusion of Progress” by Caught a Ghost
• “Leave” by St. Paul & The Broken Bones
• “Cielito Lindo” by Mariachi la Estrella