STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Justin Simien: 'I Experience More Racism Than Homophobia' in Hollywood

Director talks race, identity and the success of Dear White People.

The past year has been an amazing ride for Dear White People director Justin Simien, who debuted his racial satire to a standing ovation at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and broke box office records when the film released in the fall. 
COMMENTARY: DEAR WHITE AND BLACK PEOPLE, GO SEE THIS MOVIE
We sat down with the director to talk about his big year in Hollywood and what the success of Dear White People has meant for his career and the advancement of Black narratives in Hollywood. Simien also commented on a range of topics, from the homophobic reactions to the film, to why Black films are saddled with the responsibility of being all things to all Black people. "White audiences don't expect that of their films," he reasons, adding that he wishes "a dozen films about the range of the Black experience came out last year, instead of just two or three."
Check out our exclusive interview with Justin Simien below. Dear White People is out on DVD now.

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

(Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for NAACP Image Awards)

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.