The Obituary of Tunde Johnson is one of those films we see and say “people need to watch it!”; among other reasons, because it is an enjoyable movie that you cannot take your eyes of, you just want to know what is coming next, and how is to going to end, but most importantly, due to being a movie with the kind of message we have been waiting for: self-acceptance, mental health, diversity, representation, and the importance of speaking out while standing for the right social causes.
The Obituary of Tunde Johnson stars Steven Silver, the social committed young actor we love since we met him for the TV show version of 13 Reasons Why; Spencer Neville (Ozark, American Horror Story), and Nicola Peltz (Transformers: Age of Extinction, Bates Motel); all of them deliver great performances, and I am sure you would not like to miss the powerful interactions between Silver and Peltz in every scene they share together.
The movie also marks the film debut of Stanley Kalu whose script made him the winner of 2018’s THE LAUNCH: Million Dollar Screenplay Competition co-founded by producers Zachary Green and Jason Shuman, to find the next generation of great screenwriters from around the world.
The Obituary of Tunde Johnson has been directed by Ali LeRoi, the awarded writer, and director known worldwide thanks to Everybody Hates Chris. Both Kalu and LeRoi syncopated their creative minds to deliver us this movie that vividly portraits the injustices that most minorities have been forced to experience due to the systemic racism, prejudices, and other expressions of social inequities.
But, let us be clear, do not expect a tearjerker drama, The Obituary of Tunde Johnson is exciting, reminds us that everyone deserves to be loved, and part of its charm is allowing the viewers to experience what the characters feel while pushing you to act and stand up for justice.
As part of the Vanity Teen family, I was invited to an early screening and had the blessing of interviewing Mister Ali LeRoi and the gifted author Stanley Kalu who kindly answered few questions about the movie.
Keep reading to find out their answers.
Stanley Kalu: the conceiver
Q: What can you tell us about the importance of supporting black creators nowadays?
Black people are responsible for the entirety of America’s main export: Culture. Supporting black creators isn’t a question of equality or (and this is a more accurate term) equity, it’s really a matter of reparations. Black creators deserve support and that’s about it.
Q: How about media representation, diversity, and self-acceptance?
Representation and diversity go hand in hand, so I’m going to give a joint answer. I always say that film is the greatest vehicle for empathy that we have; the medium exists to place a viewer within an experience outside of their own and therefore, has the power to change hearts and minds.
Q: Anything else you would like to share with Vanity Teen?
In 2021, the revolution will be televised; it has to be in order to combat power structures that have held under-represented communities down for so long. I hope that The Obituary of Tunde Johnson plays a part in a new wave of socially conscious, POC driven films that can further showcase, humanize and improve the lives of said under-represented communities.
Ali LeRoi: the wise man speaking truth
Q: What can you tell us about the importance of supporting black creators nowadays?
Black creators have always been at the forefront of American culture. That’s not different now. We don’t need as much support as we need less resistance from Gatekeepers. We succeed despite our circumstances. You don’t have to help me. Just quit trying to stop me.
Q: The Obituary of Tunde Johnson explores diverse topics that affect our youth; it also represents different levels of social issues minorities have been dealing with for ages, after receiving the script, how did you feel about knowing most of the things portrayed in the film happen every day?
That’s why I wanted to direct this film. It found the humanity in the character of Tunde, and while the circumstances he’s faced with draw from significant contemporary issues facing minorities, at the core this is a story about love and self-discovery. That’s the thing young people, in particular, are faced with every day – where is my place in this world?
Q: Something else you would like to share with Vanity Teen?
Being yourself and standing in your truth is the most radical thing you can do. It will change world.
Q: Could you recommend The Obituary of Tunde Johnson to our readers?
If your readers like good movies, I would highly recommend this one.
To be honest, each of their answers was like a life lesson for me, so I really hope you can read them and go now and watch the film that will be available worldwide in theaters and on-demand everywhere this Friday, February the 26th, 2021.
Before we go
If I have not been speaking clearly so far, let me say it this way: yes, every one of us should watch The Obituary of Tunde Johnson, if you miss the cinemas this is a great opportunity to go back to the movie theaters and have that kind of experience that made you love movies on the first place; also, if you rather watch it at home click here to pre-saved, or go browse your favorite store and own it.
I will not stop saying it: go and watch The Obituary of Tunde Johnson, this is a thrilling movie that gives a voice to those who have felt oppressed for being part of a minority in places where systemic racism and intolerance have been sadly extended.
