Justin Simein’s award-winning debut film, "Dear White People," has been acquired by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions. It means big things for U.S. and Canadian distribution this year.

The comedy follows a group of black students at a predomintately white campus where a riot breaks out over an "African-American-themed" party thrown by a white fraternity. It’s a story ripped directly from any number of headlines over the years about racial tensions flaring up on college campuses around the country. It stars Tyler James Williams ("Everybody Hates Chris") and Tessa Thompson ("Veronica Mars"), and won the special jury award for breakthrough talent at Sundance.

"Justin Simien is a funny, fresh and current voice with his finger on the Millennials’ pulse," said Roadside’s co-president Howard Cohen, according to Variety.