The film “Sinners” is officially coming to Clarksdale, Mississippi, and the excitement is building. When local author and veteran Jaleesa Collins realized her hometown was the backdrop for the film, she knew it was a chance to do something big. Teaming up with entrepreneur Dave “Dooney” Houston, the two pitched a screening event as a fundraiser for the inaugural Clarksdale Day, set for Labor Day weekend.
The buzz took off fast. Facebook conversations lit up, and community organizer Tyler Yarbrough jumped in, writing an open letter to “Sinners” director Ryan Coogler to bring the film home. Warner Bros. Pictures announced free public screenings from May 29th through May 31st, right in Clarksdale, where the movie is based. Coogler himself will attend the first night, joined by composer Ludwig Göransson, actor Miles Caton, producers Zinzi Coogler and Sey Ohanian, and executive music producer Serena Göransson.
The event is part of Clarksdale Culture Capital, a three-day celebration highlighting local culture with panels featuring historians, artists, and musicians.
“This moment is bigger than myself, bigger than ‘Sinners,’ it’s about pride and ownership, and love,” Yarbrough shared. Collins added, “I’m just happy to see how far this has gone from just the start of an ideal to transforming action into opportunity.”
With no movie theater in town, the screenings symbolize more than entertainment. “Clarksdale is on its way back,” Houston said. “It’s coming back through arts, culture, and film. We’re the people trying to save our city.”
