Where was Justin Simien born and what is his early background?
Justin Simien was born in Houston, Texas. He grew up Catholic and lost his father while he was still young.
Questions about Justin Simien
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did the film Dear White People premiere at Sundance and how much did it gross on opening weekend?
The film premiered in-competition in the US Dramatic Category at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival on the 18th of January 2014. During its opening weekend, the film grossed $344,000 across only eleven locations.
What dates marked the renewals and releases for each season of the Dear White People television series?
On the 5th of May 2016, Lionsgate announced a deal to produce a Dear White People television series that released in April 2017. The series received renewal for a second season which released in May 2018 and a third season releasing in August 2019. On the 2nd of October 2019, the series was renewed for its fourth and final season that arrived in September 2021.
How did Justin Simien fund the creation of the Dear White People concept trailer and what were the results?
In 2012, he created a concept trailer using his tax refund as funding. He managed to raise $40,000 instead of the goal to raise $25,000 through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.
When did Justin Simien publicly announce he is gay and who is identified as his husband?
Justin Simien publicly announced he is gay at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival premiere of Dear White People. Portrait photographer and comedian Rick Proctor was identified as Simien's husband on Celebrity Family Feud season 9 episode 3.