Dear White People [Blu-ray]

Director: Justin Simien Justin Simien

Overview

A satirical portrait of race relations in early 21st-century America, writer/director Justin Simien's playfully perceptive feature debut tells the story of a biracial Winchester University student whose controversial radio show sparks a media frenzy of epic proportions. When Samantha White (Tessa Thompson) begins her radio program by declaring that white people will now be required to have two black friends in order to avoid appearing racist (and that drug dealers don't count), she immediately catches the attention of the all-black residential hall that is being forced out of existence due to diversification. Subsequently elected president of the hall, Samantha becomes the subject of a reality show that deals with racial issues. Meanwhile, the Winchester University's all-white student newspaper staff mistakenly assumes that young black outcast Lionel Higgins (Tyler James Williams) is an expert on black culture, and recruits him to report on the brewing controversy.

Product Details

Release Date:	02/03/2015
UPC:	0031398209577
Original Release:	2014
Rating:	R
Source:	LIONSGATE - 600000-AEC LGE
Region Code:	A
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround]
Language:	English
Time:	1:49:00
Sales rank:	34,662

Special Features

Deleted scenes and outtakes; PSA series: "The more you know about black people"; "Racism insurance" parody; "The making of dear white people" featurette; "Get your life" music video by Caught a Ghost; DVRSE App: Black friends when you need them; Leaked: Banned winchester U diversity video; Cast with Director Commentary; Director Commentary

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Tyler Williams	Lionel Higgins
Tessa Thompson	Sam White
Brandon Bell	Troy Fairbanks
Dennis Haysbert	Dean Fairbanks
Teyonah Parris	Colandrea "Coco" Conners
Kyle Gallner	Kurt Fletcher
Malcolm Barrett	Helmut West
Brittany Curran	Sofia Fletcher
Marque Richardson II	Reggie
Brandon Alter	George
Peter Syvertsen	President Fletcher
Kate Gaulke	Annie
Brian James	Martin
Keith Myers	Mitch
Bryan Porter	Gordon
Terry Hempleman	Professor Bodkin
Naomi Ko	Sungmi
Ashley Featherson	Curls
Jemar Michael	Smoothe
Courtney Sauls	Wild
Casey Millard	Box Office Attendant
Avery Bilz	Sophomore
Baratunde Thurston	Newscaster #1
Craig Stepp	Newscaster #2
Michelle Wong	Newscaster #3
Nia Jervier	Coco's Friend
Justin Dobies	Actor

Technical Credits

Justin Simien

Justin Simien	Director,Screenwriter,Producer
Ann Le	Producer
Leonid Lebedev	Executive Producer,Producer
Angel Lopez	Producer
Lena Waithe	Producer
Effie Brown	Producer

Editorial Reviews

11/03/2014
Simien, writer/director of the film of the same name as this seriously funny book at times cuts close to the bone for readers of any skin tone. Simien's declared purpose is to present something "primarily meant for entertainment purposes, so as to covertly lull you into thinking critically." Brief chapters offer advice and clarification ranging from "Please Stop Touching My Hair" to "We Don't Know Why Kanye West Did That." Interspersed within the chapters are "Black Myth Busters," quizzes, flowcharts, and charts to help readers decipher micro-aggressions or decide whether they may use the N-word. Simien asserts repeatedly that, despite wishes to the contrary, racism is still embedded in assumptions and institutions throughout the culture. His humor primarily rests on the absurdity of racial stereotypes and racist behaviors, introducing the difficult, even painful, truth that lies at the heart of all great comedy. Agent: Jay Mandel, William Morris Endeavor. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

"Seeming to draw equal measures of inspiration from Whit Stillman and Spike Lee, but with his own tart, elegant sensibility very much in control, Mr. Simien evokes familiar campus stereotypes only to smash them and rearrange the pieces."

The New York Times - A. O. Scott