Small town in Mississippi absent movie theater, potential showing of "Sinners" film in question
Getting "Sinners" to Screens in Clarksdale, Mississippi
Hey there! Let's chat about the excitement surrounding the potential screening of the blockbuster film, "Sinners," in good ol' Clarksdale, Mississippi. This city, known as the setting for the movie Michael B. Jordan-starring flick, currently doesn't have a local cinema.
That's why community organizer, Tyler Yarbrough, and Mayor Chuck Espy have been working their magic to convince the filmmakers and Warner Bros., the studio behind the film, to bring some cinematic bliss to their hometown.
During an interview, Yarbrough shared his journey, which included a lengthy drive to catch a screening of the film. Mayor Espy weighed in on depopulation and funding shortages as key factors in Clarksdale's loss of its two movie theaters. He pointed out that community-centric venues started gravitating towards Memphis when the going got tough.
Now, with dare-to-dream eyes, Espy visualizes an opportunity to bring potential cast members to Clarksdale, inviting them to engage in meaningful conversations and discussions about the city's rich heritage. He's expecting a crowd from far and wide, with folks willing to travel over two hours just to catch a glimpse of this anticipated event.
At the moment, there's no solid plan in place, but Yarbrough has been chatting with Warner Bros. executives, making the screening "looking very promising" for sometime between today and Juneteenth. The cast? You bet they're being invited! As Espy puts it, "We're asking Michael B. Jordan, the rest of the cast, studio execs."
The film, a period piece/crime thriller/vampire horror hybrid from "Black Panther" director Ryan Coogler, has been a smash hit and garnered positive reviews. It highlights the burgeoning 1930s Mississippi music scene, where blues music is created, with performances in moving cars and a whole community coming together to enjoy a juke joint.
Clarksdale, the city of blues, is already a popular destination for music enthusiasts from all over the world. With its rich Blues heritage dating back over a hundred years, it attracts visitors year-round.
Yarbrough shares his dream of not just a screening, but also of inviting the "Sinners" production team and cast to explore contemporary Clarksdale and the city's museums, juke joints, and more. He's particularly moved by a scene in the movie that showcases the blues as the foundation of music, weaving genres like hip-hop, pop, and rock together.
In essence, the team behind "Sinners" is more than just agreeing to host a screening in Clarksdale; they're actively involved in making it happen, and the whole city is buzzing with excitement about the impact it could have on the local community.
Fun fact: CNN's Hyan de Freitas played a part in bringing you this captivating story. Stay tuned for more developments!
Film nationally acclaimed filmmakers are considering bringing the movie "Sinners" to Clarksdale, Mississippi, the setting for the film and a popular destination for music enthusiasts. If successful, Mayor Chuck Espy plans to invite the cast and production team to engage with local heritage and possibly participate in community events. Despite no concrete plans yet, Warner Bros. executives and the "Sinners" team are actively discussing the possibility of bringing the movie to the small town, generating buzz and excitement within the community for potential entertainment and cultural exchanges.
