Mississippi city where 'Sinners' is set to hold screening despite having no movie theater

USA Today

27-05-2025

Mississippi city where 'Sinners' is set to hold screening despite having no movie theater
It's official!
Following preliminary talks to hold a public screening of "Sinners" in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the local residents will be able to enjoy the official event with a special appearance from the cast and crew.
The screening will take place during Clarksdale Culture Capital, a community celebration, from May 29 to 31st, the city announced in a press release. The free screening will include a Q&A with the director Ryan Coogler, star Miles Caton, and composer Ludwig Göransson.
Coogler's horror film follows twins Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), after they return to the small city from Chicago to start a juke joint in the 1930s. The movie became a box office success and pop cultural phenonmeon.
Being that the story is set in Clarksdale, which has no active movie theater, the community organized to make the screening possible.
"Hosting the screening of Sinners is more than a moment for our Clarksdale, it's a movement. It signals that the Delta's creative power, history, and people are not just worth watching, but investing in," Clarksdale Mayor Chuck Espy said in a statement. "We're honored to welcome this film, its creators, and all who are ready to join us in celebration and to reimagine what's possible here."
Meet Miles Caton: The 'Sinners' breakout having an 'unreal' moment
'Historic event'
Earlier this month, local activist Tyler Yarbrough spoke to USA TODAY about how his open letter to Coogler, actor Michael B. Jordan and the rest of the cast to visit his hometown went viral, made national headlines and resulted in talks with Warner Bros. studio executives.
"I want us to co-create something with Warner Bros., that feels authentic, feels good for them and our community," he said. "I would love to see the cast and the director come to see some of our juke joints and party with us, and come see some of our farms."
Yarbrough's letter garnered thousands of signatures and he recieved full backing from city leaders.
"I'm really thankful that people like Tyler Yarbrough exist, and he cares about his community," Mayor Espy said during an interview with USA TODAY. "When a person steps up and takes it to that next level...we have to give him 110% support."
According to the press release, the anticipated events are free to the public but residents will have priority. The panel featuring the "Sinners" cast and crew is slated for May 29.
"This historic event is a testament to the power of community advocacy, cultural integrity, and Southern storytelling," the statement continued. "Thank you yo every single person who signed, shared and stood with us. Because of you 'Sinners' is coming home."
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [e-mail].