Wale’s meditation on race, success and relationships is visualised by a gripping short film, directed and co-written by Kerby Jean-Raymond (of Pyer Moss). The set-up is simple and effective: what would the world look like if white people are treated like people of colour? The film references several real-life events, media campaigns and police protocols, showing how the main protagonist (played by Lucas Hedges) has to find a way to exist within a world built on systemic racism every single moment of his life. At the end, the film pulls another switch, showing real-life 2020 footage of an inmate speaking truth about how COVID-19 is a death sentence for many black incarcerated people who are not allowed to self-isolate because they need to keep working (and making money for white people) in jail. The entire film is infused with the intelligent, collected and uncompromising gaze Jean-Raymond is known and respected for. Powerful work from a powerful creative and cultural force.
Directed by Kerby Jean-Raymond
Written by Kerby Jean-Raymond and Cameron Robert
