Dear White People started as a 2014 American comedy-drama indie film, written, directed and co-produced by Justin Simien. The film focuses on escalating racial tensions at a fictitious, prestigious Ivy League college from the perspective of several black students. The film was a big hit, so Netflix commissioned a TV series and Justin remained behind the wheel of the new show. I got to hang out with him in the beautiful Rocky Mountains while he was at the Banff World Media Festival 2019 promoting the upcoming third season of Dear White People.
Which member of the X-Men does Justin want to meet? Was it difficult to make the original film's story an open-ended TV series idea? How has the changing political landscape in the US changed the show? Which TV series does Justin watch when he begins a new relationship? What lesson did the TV series Breaking Bad teach him? Is campus radio and alternative media important to Justin? What is Justin proud about in season three of Dear White People? You'll have to listen to find out!
Track played on the radio edit of the show...
1) Michael Kiwanuka, Love & Hate (2016) "Love & Hate"
This song is not CANCON