Ryan Coogler screens ‘Sinners’ in its Mississippi setting

In Clarksdale, Mississippi, an auditorium was filled to capacity on Thursday as eager residents gathered to watch “Sinners,” a blockbuster film rooted deeply in the culture of the Mississippi Delta. The much-anticipated screening of this horror-thriller was graced by the presence of Ryan Coogler, the film’s director, and was made possible through a passionate community petition.

Coogler, addressing the packed hall, shared, “I have family roots in Mississippi, through my uncle and grandfather, although I had never visited until working on this script.” He expressed how his experience in Mississippi profoundly impacted him.

The movie’s plot follows twin brothers, both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, as they return to Mississippi to open a juke joint. This supernatural vampire narrative deftly weaves elements of drama, action, and music, giving it a unique flair. Joining the director at the screening were key contributors to the film, such as its composer Ludwig Göransson and actor Miles Canton.

Brandice Brown Williams, a theatre instructor who brought two students to witness the occasion, emphasized its importance, saying, “When filmmakers take the time to honor the Delta, particularly as we are the roots of music and blues culture, it is incredibly meaningful.”

“Sinners” is set against the backdrop of 1930s Clarksdale. However, the Clarksdale of today lacks a cinema, posing a challenge for locals to experience the film’s depiction of their hometown. This resulted in a heartfelt initiative by community members who launched a petition to bring the cast and crew to Clarksdale for a public screening and celebration of their work.

Echoing the pride and enthusiasm of the community, organizer Tyler Yarbrough remarked, “Your dedication to accurately portraying Southerners, Mississippians, and Clarksdale shone through your writing. We are ready and honored to welcome you back to where it all started.”

The film elicited a wide range of emotions from the audience, who responded with gasps, laughter, and cheers throughout the screening. A Q&A session followed, where Coogler and the team engaged with attendees. One viewer, Cindy Hurst, shared her admiration, stating the film was a “visually stunning portrayal of the richness of Black culture.”