“King of Dallas” is a dystopian drama released in 2024 and directed by Justin L. Rhodes and Reggie Henderson. The film, set in the year 2097 in the ruined city of Dallas, conveys several messages regarding leadership, as well as division and integration of the African diaspora.
Synopsis
As the most catastrophic of diseases, the African Plague, lays waste to over 99.999% of the earth’s population, only the afronauts survive. But rather than managing to unite as one race, the “afronauts” in New Dallas surprisingly splinter into three different ethno-political groups based on skin pigmentation. The focus of the story is on Octavious, a character depicted by Justin L. Rhodes, who, humiliated and banished, has to come and unite his nation again and save it from impending doom.
Cast & Crew
- Directors: Justin L. Rhodes, Reggie Henderson
- Writer: Justin L. Rhodes
Awards & Wins
“King of Dallas” has received attention for its bold storyline and effective acting. The picture, however, has not captured any significant prizes thus far, although it has attracted several nominations, such as:
- Best Independent Film at the African Diaspora International Film Festival.
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the Black Reel Awards.
- Best Screenplay at the Pan African Film Festival.
IMDb Ratings
As of now, the film holds a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb, reflecting a positive reception from audiences and critics alike. Viewers often highlight the film’s layered storytelling and its ambitious attempt to grapple with identity and community in a speculative future.
Personal Insights
“The subject matter of the synopsis of “King of Dallas” touches issues of color and the quest for unity, which makes the futuristic dimension of the narrative fit very well with the societal divisions of the contemporary world. The broken tribes – Vanta (black), Pure (whites), and Bronze (details of brown skin) – illustrate the internal conflicts that have been experienced by Africans throughout the ages. Octavious, thanks to Justin L. Rhodes, returns from extraterrestrial life empires of exodus becoming an obedient king, so familiar with ‘rewriting the wronged’ tales.
This film employs the not entirely pleasing environment as more than an excuse of being eye candy, but rather as a tool to critique societal ills and self-violence. Its visually striking style and exposing dialogues make sure that the viewer’s attention is not lost and if it is, it is only during the few slow and quiet parts of the film. The ideas are grand and the movie sometimes stumbles as it tries to fulfill its high expectations, but for the most, the central issue of the film leaves the viewer heavy-hearted.
Cultural Significance
“King of Dallas‘ son popular meto le historia yankee a lo juto presiden jeet afrofuturismi which describes as an integration of af english culture with afro centric specifications. This is what sets the film apart from the usual Western dystopia by allowing the viewers to witness a post-apocalyptic world teeming with African ancestry personified as the protagonist. In doing so, it recognizes the role of colorism as a psychological warfare on the viewer whilst seeking for an image of growth for things that may seem as internalized discrimination.
Not only does the production itself boast representation with an almost all black cast almost black crew, but the production itself was also directed by a black man. The directors, Justin L. Rhodes and Reggie Henderson are giving voices to African diasporic stories and so this partnership shows the importance of collaborative work in retelling unheard stories.
‘King of Dallas’ on the other hand does not end as a film but rather pushes the viewer to action called to contemplate the fact that even the deepest rifts can be closed through love. And indeed the film will spur debates for quite a long time and therefore deserves to be watched by all who appreciate films that are deep.
