New Movie Alert "Dear White People"

The year 2013 appears to be a promising year for black cinema with the release of "The Best Man 2", Forest Whittaker's "The Butler" and  "Black Nativity". All of which appear to bring back that element that has been missing from black film in general especially since the success of Tyler Perry films. 

This year has also had a considerable number of black documentaries that have made it to at least select theaters. Some noteworthy documentaries include "Free Angela & All Political Prisoners" and Terence Nance's "An OverSimplification Of Her Beauty". (oversimplification.mvmt.com) The two contrast greatly, one explores the sacrifices African Americans have made to be treated as not merly citizens of this country but human beings. The other, a real life glance into the lives of educated African Americans in this "post racial" state.

It is sad to note however that in an America that claims to be so forward thinking, there are few films that make it to the big screen that accurately depict black life in America. Thus I introduce to you the film that had finally recently began production, "Dear White People". 

A year ago this month, writer, director and producer Justin Simien along with his production staff and crew released the concept trailer for a new movie called "Dear White People". The film follows co-ed Sam White as she goes on to expose the racial problem at her institution of choice Manchester University, a PWI (Predominantly White Institution). She does such by means of her universitybased radio   show in which she weaves an open letter to White people in general about their racist tendencies. She begins with "Dear White People, the number of black friends required to not seem racist has moved up to two", she further comments not to ask to touch black hair as it is not a petting Zoo. The film also explores interracial relationships and the concept of who and what determines what "blackness" is. 

The making of this film has come a long way to gain both artistic and financial backing. Check out the Trailer ( http://youtu.be/watjO62NrVg)   and support this film by making sure it come to a theater near you. 

Zoe Saldana and the Nina Simone biopic disaster

Since the announcement ofa biopic on the life of pianist, singer and civil rights activist, Nina Simone,fans have been buzzing in anticipation of having the story of the late greatartist told. To the dismay of many however, actress Zoe Saldana has been chosento portray the blues icon.

Saldanais most known for her roles in science fiction movies like Avatar and the latest version of Star Trek, which has a sequel premiering this summer. While bothmovies required the 34 year old actress to learn a different language and toportray as an alien species, they did not prepare her for the backlash she hasbeen receiving for the role of portraying a real American icon.

Muchof the criticism derives from critics’ opinion that the young actress bearslittle resemblance to Nina Simone. “Musician India.Arie said "they shouldhave chosen someone who looks like Nina Simone," and an online petitionfor a boycott of the film attracted more than 10,000 signatures.” (Lawless) Manyargue that because Saldana bears little resemblance to Simone in both skin andhair texture, she will not be able to tell the story of Simone in a realistic sense. 

TheAP reports that Saldana feels very strongly that she is the right actress toplay Nina Simone. “The Nina Simone story needed to be told, and I'm reallyblessed that I did it,” said Saldana, a New Yorker of Puerto Rican andDominican descent.” (Lawless) Nina Simone, along with her amazing talents has amusician, had a major influence on the civil rights movement with songs, “Young,Gifted & Black”, and “Mississippi Goddam”.

“Justlike everybody else I feel very strongly about Nina Simone, and that (this) wasa story that needed to be told.” (Zoe Saldana) Saldana feels that her talent asan actress and the importance of telling Nina Simone’s story on screen areworth the controversy that she has thus endured since taking the role. 

Lawless, Jill. "Zoe Saldana: Nina Simone Controversy Wont Deter Me From Telling Story." The Huffington Post 15 May 2013: 5.