Editor’s note: The following article is an editorial and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
Justin Simien is an amazing and unapologetically black filmmaker and a guest on the latest episode of Masters of the Game. Simian rose to fame with the 2014 film “Dear White People,” a hilarious and politically challenging depiction of black life at a predominantly white university. I saw Dear White People on its opening weekend in a theater full of black people, and it was perfect. We laughed, we screamed at the screen, and we worked on a film that dealt with colorism, classism, and the politics of being gay on a campus full of straight people.
The film delves deep into the nuances and complexities of being Black and politically active on campus. Its protagonist, Sam White, played by the sublime Tessa Thompson, is a young sister with an amazingly powerful spirit who hosts a campus radio show where she constantly reads out white people’s dirty words, hence the title. Dear White People.” Many of her essays begin with that call. She is one of the student leaders challenging white supremacy. Also, she is secretly dating a white man. She’s in complete control of this relationship, but it’s still a curveball for many in the audience. Can they accept a black political leader with a secret white boyfriend? This dichotomy is interesting, challenging, and real.
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“Dear White People” became an unforgettable Netflix TV show, directed, written and executive produced by Simian. Simian also wrote and directed Bad Hair, a brilliant combination of comedy, horror and workplace politics. At its core is a mesmerizing weave that transforms the wearer into a crazy person. Once again, Simian has found a way to talk about black people in an interesting and intelligent way.
Simian is one of the great filmmakers of our time, a thought-provoking, comedic, sincere and profound filmmaker. This conversation was fun because he is also a friend. Don’t miss “Masters of the Game” with Justin Simien on Fridays at 8pm ET and Saturdays at 1pm ET on TheGrio Cable Network.
Toure is a host and writer for TheGrio. He hosts TheGrio television show “Masters of the Game” and created the award-winning podcast “Being Black: The ’80s” and its sequel “Being Black: The ’70s.” He is also the author of “Star Stories” and eight books, including “Nothing Compares 2 U an oral History of Prince.” He also hosts a podcast called “Toure Show.” He is a husband and father of two children.
