It’s no secret, social media has been changing how things once were at a rapid pace and across various arenas in life. It’s shaped how we retrieve information, shifted exclusion from “elite society” (fashion, art), how stars are discovered, and how projects/campaigns start and gain momentum. Dear White People, a new film by Justin Simien, looks to see social media kick start the production of the feature, hoping to reach theaters. The cool thing is, it’s working.
The script of the film follows four African-American students at a fictitious prestigious predominately white school and the events leading up to a race riot after mounting tensions among its students. Based on the directors own college experience, the satirical film looks to really dissect the concept of being one of the few people who look like you in a world of others. It draws inspiration from such films as School Daze, Hollywood Shuffle, and Do The Right Thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=watjO62NrVg
After its initial viral trailer release, the project garnered quick attention and support and is now in its pre-production stages. Featured in major news publications, including a feature on CNN, it looks as though we will be seeing Dear White People sooner than we think.
Learn more about Dear White People and donate to the project HERE.
-Cj
