Actress Anna Maria Horsford plays out a scene in the movie "Wigger." (Photo courtesy Max Rothenberg)

Black Studies Chair Omowale Akintunde (left to right), Justin Ruff and Anna Maria Horsford. (Photo courtesy Max Rothenberg)

UNO professor writers, directs controversial film about race

By: Todd Hansen

Posted: 9/29/09

As standing chair of the UNO's Black Studies Dept., Omowale Akintunde has quite the diverse resume. He's the author of two books, "Multiculturalism and the Teacher Education Experience," and the children's book, "The Adventures of Darrell and the Invincible Man." After completing his most recent project, he can add a few new titles to his resume.

Akintunde wrote and directed his first feature film "Wigger," which is set to premiere in late April 2010.

The film chronicles the life of Brandon, an impoverished white teen with a neo-Nazi father and a black best friend, Antoine. Brandon chooses to identify with Black culture despite having a racist family. He is an aspiring Rhythm and Blues artist with a black love interest Shondra, played by Kim Patrick.

"Brandon seeks a world where he can transcend being white and fit in," Akintunde said. "But this asks the question, 'Can one really do that?'"

Akintunde said the title "Wigger" was designed to catch people's attention.

"When people hear the title they kind of cringe," Akintunde said. "I like pushing the envelope."

The original idea for the film came to Akintunde when he was attending the New York Film Institute.

"It's something I had been thinking about for awhile," Akintunde said. "My expertise is whiteness and white privilege, so doing a film that combines my intellectual ability and film ability, I was able to bring them together."

While "Wigger" contains some heavy subject matter, Akintunde said there is also plenty of comedic relief mixed in with the overall message about race and culture.

Mark Dail works at the production coordinator at UNO TV, but was asked by Akintunde to help out behind the scenes on the set of "Wigger."

"His story has a lot to do with things that need to be talked about," Dail said. "There is institutionalized racism and people don't even notice."

But Dail was just one of many people who put in long hours filming.

"It was 12 hours a day minimum for three weeks," said Assistant Director Max Rothenberg.

But Akinunde is confident all their hard work and long hours will pay off when viewers watch the movie.

"People should understand that making a film is truly a collaborative process," Akintunde said. "There were so many people who really, really sacrificed a lot of time and energy. I could fill up three pages with names of people who helped."

Many of the locations in the movie should look familiar to viewers. Various hot spots in Omaha served as the backdrop. Akintunde said he wanted authenticity of local establishments. Scenes were shot at places such as Timeout Chicken, Love's Jazz and Arts Center among the North Omaha residential community.

"I love this city," Akintunde said. "When we first set out, one of the things I did was tell the cinematographer, 'I want Omaha as one of the main characters.'"

Once Akintunde had the script completed and the film was in motion, he had the task of casting actors in "Wigger." Akintunde said he met actor Meshach Taylor of "Designing Women" fame while attending the New York Film Institute. Taylor agreed to work on the short version of the film "Wigger" and later took on the role of Mr. Pruitt.

Other actors with small screen success are also featured in the film. Anna Maria Horsford stars as Antoine's mother, Ruth. Horsford has been on shows like "The Wayans Bros," "Entourage," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and in the hit movie "Friday." Eric Harvey plays the role of Brandon's best friend, Antoine. Harvey graduated from the New York Film Academy and works as a writer and director for the television series "Where's My Man To-nite" on the USA Network. Actor David Oakes plays the lead role of Brandon. Akintunde said Oakes' gift of writing and recording music made him a natural choice for the role. Oakes has taken acting classes at the University of Virginia and appeared in a number of films and comedy clubs.

Along with his original story idea, Akintunde said he wanted the film to have original music. R&B artist Andre Mieux of Los Angeles wrote and sang five tracks exclusively for the movie.

The film also features a special appearance and musical performance by Sarah Dash of the gospel group Labelle.

"I think people will find two things - it's an independent movie but looks big budget, and it's about as non-cliché as you can get," Akintunde said.

The release date for "Wigger" is set for late April next year, during the Malcolm X festival week. Akintunde said they are planning a nationwide release.

"We all are still uncomfortable about race," Akintunde said. "When Barack Obama was elected president, it was the single most important act of reconciliation."

For more information about the film "Wigger," visit wiggerthefilm.com.