WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
They’re two of the ugliest words in the English language–prejudice and racism. In our contemporary reality here in the U.S., the sheer magnitude of which these terms have been utilized and once more applied and/or brought to bear when associated to the treatment of those of different skin tone is, quite frankly, utterly sickening. While certain amounts of it will, sadly, always be present (which is already TOO MUCH!), the newly growing monster of hate has reared up again, tearing at the fabric of freedom we ALL deserve and desire to maintain. What happens, however, when this malice gets directed towards someone within their own race? For Rue (Diandra Forrest), this is an all-too-real experience, as despite being black, her Albinism causes her to stand out and be unjustly judged by others of her racial group and “normal” color. Struggling to find any true place of safety and acceptance, an opportunity comes about that could finally change her outlook forever–and gain her a confidence she’s seemingly only dreamed of ever possessing.
Next, my Mind:
Black and white meld together to a potently, uniquely, and emotively eruptive degree as the concepts of misconception and bigotry get turned culturally and racially inward as the revealing light of being different and harshly discriminated against gets an updated treatment and affecting perspective through this candid, fearless, ultimately inspirational 19-minute Oscar qualifying short film from writer/director/producer/editor Emir Kumova and producers Donald Nguyen and Jason Quan. Unequivocally, this is the precise style and purposefully blunt addressing of narrow-mindedness and animosity that is so desperately needed in our modern society, which is still so tragic to have to say, but it’s simply the truth. To be so overtly allowing ourselves to go down the road of racial, gender, and ethnic polarization that we are, it is projects like this that are FAR too necessary, intentionally but constructively provocative, ideally influential in the best ways, and yet still be a punch in the face we require to wake up and pursue the unity we should long for in order to FINALLY heal as a nation.
We are entreated to a narrative that gets its focus via a young black woman who’s been born with Albinism, causing what should have been her naturally darker skin color to instead be white, among other symptoms the condition can or does bring about, and the heartbreaking battle for true identity she fights for daily as she just tries to LIVE. Even as events from the start waste no time in illustrating the depths of maltreatment through blatantly disparaging comments and attitudes we see launched in her direction, the film also does a fantastic job of showcasing that POSITIVE support, encouragement, and embracing of differences DOES exist as well, and that is an INTEGRAL factor to take away from this story, as we can TOO OFTEN make a choice to stay shocked by the negative elements and then decide to just apathetically stay in that mindset rather than being open to change our viewpoint and demeanor towards those we too easily cast aside or treat as “inferior” in some way, a “disease” to be avoided at all costs, ostracized and maligned.
The thematic ventures into all the aforementioned facets above also give way to the perfectly timed and presented inspirational aspects of the film, which highlight fiercely defiant but, again, in practical and beneficial ways, the ideas of being revolutionary, making a statement of absolute solidarity, completely confident in WHO you are, conquering fear, standing strong, bold, daring, and original because THAT IS who each and every one of us ARE. I have always applauded these kinds of narratives and messages as well, because the applicability and relatability of those notions transcend color, face, gender, religion, etc and speak so deeply to the core of the soul and heart as a HUMAN BEING. The film’s ardent and profound finale creates a powerful homage to ALL of this just alluded to above, doing so with such rousing dramatic fire that I DARE you NOT to BE determined to want to be a part of the changes we SO vitally seek here and worldwide, or SHOULD, in order to rise above bitterness and discover the beauty in EVERYONE around us.
Plus, there’s an additional and awesome reveal during the film’s final moments that only adds more relevancy to all we’ve witnessed. Now, it is NO exaggeration to say that Forrest adeptly dominates the screen by being yet another exceptional example of an actress who can bring grounded, and here literal, realism to bear with such committed urgency and intensely spirited passion and vigor through her performance as Rue, a beautiful young woman stuck in circumstances both beyond and within her control, but has found the latter an uphill climb to see genuine any affirmation and welcoming into her own community and race. In both despair and building frustration about how she’s being treated by her own people, much less everyone else, the road to inner and personal redemption remains veiled until one opportunity could prove to be the extremely needed avenue she’s sought. Forrest explodes with emotional gravity, whether subtle or conspicuous, throughout that grips you and never releases, a magnificent tribute to her acting and her cause.
Primary supporting roles start with Curtis J. McDaniel as Jacob, a co-worker of Rue’s who remains silent for only so long before entering her sphere and becoming a catalyst for her transformation and personal liberation, plus perhaps harboring a secret of his own. Wil Santiago is Tray, another co-worker who Rue has potential interest in until circumstances strongly dictate otherwise. Adam Mendez Jr. plays Carlos, Rue’s boss at the restaurant she’s employed with who advocates for her in a debate with Tray. Daniel Fitzgerald is Rue’s father, a man so much concerned for his daughter’s well-being and is just as heartbroken as Rue is when she’s anguished over her situation and the condition she cannot do anything about that’s been the source of so much suffering for her. Additional appearances are made by Sade White, J-Blake White, Jahmir Lewis, Olivia Richards, Mason Chamberlain, Alexander Leonard, Yena Song, and Jesse Stevenson.
So, in total, “War of Colors” is a raw portrait of painfully decisive discrimination made more so by painting a picture of what it is to not only be separate, but then being so in a race of people already targeted and unduly discriminated against to begin with. There’s an undeniably eloquent and wholly striking statement made during the film’s final act that says “Vision will take you further than eyesight ever will”. Folks, how about we drop our hate, champion the verity in those words, STOP the separation, and return to interacting with each other like PEOPLE again, allowing for our myriad of differences to remain, but in a manner that supports discussion without anger and being open to permitting the racism and enmity-destroying element we ALL could use and employ more–LOVE–to rule the day. It’s NOT impossible or some far-fetched fantasy. We just have to make the CHOICE to LET GO and let it flow.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
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