Watch Driving While Black

Driving While Black is a 2015 film centered on the experiences of a young black man named Dimitri, played by Dominique Purdy, as he navigates the dangers and microaggressions of driving while black in Los Angeles. The film is a comedic, dramatic and inspiring look at the everyday struggles of black people in America. Dimitri aspires to become a world-renowned astronaut, but his lofty dreams are constantly interrupted by the realities of life as a young black man. On a daily basis, he encounters racial profiling, unjustified police stops, and other forms of discrimination, all the while struggling to keep his car from falling apart.

Driving While Black uses humor to highlight the absurdity of these everyday events, but it does not shy away from how serious and life-threatening these situations can be. The film explores the topic of racial profiling all too familiar in the United States, and sheds light on the sobering reality that it can happen to anyone, regardless of their career aspirations or lifestyle choices.

The film also delves into the racial dynamics within the African American community. Dimitri, who is of mixed race, often feels out of place in both black and white communities. The film addresses the issue of colorism, and how it affects members of the black community.

The film's other characters include Dimitri's girlfriend, Destiny (Sheila Tejada), his weed-dealer friend, Tek (John Mead), and various police officers and other civilians he encounters on his journeys through the city. Destiny is a strong-willed woman who supports Dimitri but also challenges his sometimes unrealistic expectations.

Tek is a magnetic and charismatic figure, who sometimes comes across as a stereotype. However, the film eventually delves deeper into his character, revealing a complex and layered person with his own challenges and aspirations in life.

Throughout the movie, Dimitri's interactions with the police highlight the issue of police brutality against black people. The film also shows how the threat of murder and violence can be present even in mundane activities like grocery shopping or going to the gas station. Driving While Black does not hold back from portraying the trauma and loss experienced by black people due to police misconduct.

The film employs a unique narrative style which utilizes reenactments of real-life events, text messages, and flashbacks to illustrate the character's experiences. The various creative methods and storytelling techniques used in the movie keep the audience engaged and hold their attention in a way that allows them to really connect with the characters and their struggles.

Ultimately, Driving While Black is a timely and important film that sheds light on the harsh realities of being black in America. It is a poignant reminder of the systemic issues that have yet to be fully addressed in society. The film is not just an insightful critique of race relations in America, but also a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of black people in the face of such obstacles.

Driving While Black is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.