06/06/2025 | News release | Archived content
On April 18th, "Sinners" premiered in theaters, bringing a touch of Hollywood to Clarksdale. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role and follows the story of twins "Smoke' and "Stack" as they return from Chicago to establish a juke joint in their small Clarksdale town during the 1930s.
Clarksdale serves as the vibrant heart of the film "Sinners." However, until recently, its residents had not been able to share in the film's box office success, as many had yet to see it, since the town lacks a movie theater.
This changed last week when community members came together to host a local screening of the film, complete with appearances by filmmaker Ryan Coogler and members of the cast and crew. Among them was actor Miles Caton, who plays Sammie Boy.
Following the screening, Coogler and Caton joined a panel discussion offering powerful insights into the cultural significance of Clarksdale as the film's backdrop. With no movie theater in town, this special free screening was a treasured opportunity for the community. Afterward, Coogler and the panelists explored Clarksdale, including a visit to a local farm operated by Bennie Brown of Uptown Browns LLC. Brown is a local Clarksdale farmer who participates in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program with USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Brown is a notable and respected figure in Clarksdale, a region renowned for its rich agricultural history and cultural significance within the Mississippi Delta. Known for its fertile soil and deep-rooted farming traditions, Clarksdale has not only shaped the landscape but also deeply influenced the community's identity over generations. Brown set out to share the true essence of Clarksdale with Coogler and representatives from Warner Brothers Studios during their visit. His goal was to ensure they grasped the intricate layers of history and tradition embedded in the land and its people.
Bennie Brown and Ryan Coogler."It's wonderful to see Mr. Bennie sharing his farming expertise, conservation efforts, and the culture of the Mississippi Delta with movie director Ryan Coogler, the cast, and prominent community leaders."-District Conservationist, Chauncey Newsome. "I wanted them to value what we are doing as farmers in Mississippi."- Bennie Brown.
As they walked the farmland together, Coogler found himself resonating deeply with the rich tapestry of the region. Their conversation unfolded into more than just a discussion about farming; it became a powerful exchange about the legacy of the Delta-where each crop tells a story, and each sunset reflects the hopes and dreams of those who have tended to the soil for generations. Through Brown's perspective, Coogler and the studio team gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of Clarksdale and its vital role within the broader narrative of American agriculture and its cultural heritage.