Kevin Willmott, film director of BlacKkKlansman and professor of film at the University of Kansas, talks about the making of the movie, based on true events, during one of the visiting writers events last Friday in Plumb Hall. "Unfortunately, there's a lot of connections between then and now," said Willmott.
Kevin Willmott, a screenwriter, producer and director, spoke about his newest film, “BlacKkKlansman,” Sept. 14 as part of the Visiting Writers Series. Willmott is currently a professor of film at Kansas University and has produced and directed several award-winning films.
“This movie is about a lot of drama, but at the same time it has a sense of humor and is fun,” Willmott said.
“BlacKkKlansmen,” which was released in theaters in August, won several awards, including the Grand Prize of the Jury at the Cannes Film festival, according to imbd.com
The film, directed by Spike Lee, is the true story of Ron Stallworth, who was the first black police officer in Colorado Springs, Colorado during the 1970s, Willmott said.
The film follows Stallworth as he joins the local KuKluxKlan over phone. The KKK chapter has no idea he is a black man as he develops this “persona” that wants to be a member and uphold white supremacy. The charade is continued by his white partner as they investigate the KKK as undercover police officers.
“Kevin Willmott is a strong, important voice in Kansas film,” said Kevin Rabas, chair of the English, modern languages and journalism department.
Willmott has also been involved in other critically acclaimed films. He wrote, directed, produced and acted in “Ninth Street,” a movie about the redlight district in his hometown Junction City, Kansas, according to imbd.com.
“It’s great to be here in Emporia,” Willmott said. “I think I loved Emporia even more, because of working on the film William Allen White.”
Last year, Willmott directed and wrote a documentary about William Allen White, titled “William Allen White: What’s the Matter with Kansas,” which was intended to reintroduce White to new generations, imbd.com said. The movie was released in theaters last April.
“William Allen White is such a important voice I think for today especially,” Willmott said.