White kid, neo-Nazi dad, Black soul — what could possibly go wrong?
"Wigger" is a spellbinding urban drama, which chronicles the life of a young, White, male (Brandon) who totally emulates and immerses himself in African American life and culture. Brandon is an aspiring R&B singer struggling to overcome the confines of a White racist, impoverished family headed by a neo-Nazi father who is absolutely appalled by his son's total identification with Black culture. Additionally, he is oft times reminded of his position of privilege by virtue of being White in a White, racist society despite his adamant efforts to transcend "Whiteness", institutionalized racism, and find a place for himself in a world in which he rejects Whiteness but is not always fully embraced by African American culture. Ultimately, this is the story of a young White, inner-city, male caught up in an emotional, psychological, experiential, and racial "Catch 22" determined to be granted acceptance in the life and culture with which he chooses to identify.
Acting
David Oakes commits fully to Brandon's misguided sincerity.
Direction
Akintunde's documentary background shows in unflinching scenes.
Writing
Dialogue that dares you to find empathy.
Director
Omowale Akintunde
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Omowale Akintunde is a professor who spent years studying White immersion in Black culture before filming.
The title's reclamation of a slur was so controversial the film struggled to find distribution despite festival acclaim.
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