West Newton Cinema and Spark Newton present “Sinners” on Sunday, February 8 at 1PM at the West Newton Cinema (1296 Washington Street, West Newton). A panel discussion will follow the screening. Tickets are $12.
“Sinners” is a genre-defying period horror drama written and directed by Ryan Coogler, set in 1932 Mississippi during the Jim Crow era. The story follows twin brothers Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, who return to their hometown to open a juke joint for the local Black community, only to find that an ancient, supernatural evil threatens their celebration and their lives. The film blends Southern Gothic, blues music, historical memory, and supernatural horror, creating a richly layered narrative about community, survival, and cultural expression.
In collaboration with Spark Newton, the panelists will explore the film’s fusion of music, history, and horror, considering how SINNERS engages with African-American cultural traditions, the symbolic role of blues music in confronting evil, and the artistic choices that make the film a singular cinematic experience.
Panelists:
JAKE BLOUNT, A.M.
Music consultant on SINNERS and acclaimed Black folk musician-scholar
JOEL LARUE SMITH, Ph.D.
Associate Teaching Professor, Pianist, Composer, Arranger
BILL LOWE, Ph.D.
Composer, Performer, Educator; Leader of Signifyin’ Natives
