Ryan Coogler has thanked cinema-goers for seeing his new movie Sinners on the big screen in an emotional open letter. The film has been exceeding box office projections since its theatrical release, becoming one of the season’s most talked-about productions.
The director hand-typed an emotional note which was posted to Instagram declaring his heart is “bursting” with “eternal gratitude” for everyone who went to see Sinners at the cinema. His Instagram post quickly gained traction, showing the deep connection between the filmmaker and his audience.
“Eternal gratitude. My heart is bursting with it,” he wrote. “I want to thank each and every one of you who bought a ticket to see Sinners.”
“Who decided to drive to see the film in different formats. Who bought popcorn and a drink, booked a sitter and carpooled, and stood in the lobby afterward and talked and made a friend. Who changed their work schedules. Who saw the film in groups,” Coogler continued, acknowledging the effort moviegoers make to experience cinema collectively.
“I want to thank you all who watching more than once, who recommended the film to others, both in person and on social media or on your text message chains.” Industry analysts note that word-of-mouth recommendations have significantly contributed to the film’s success.
He went on to add that the film’s success means a lot to him because it’s such a personal story and the response has reinvigorated his love of the “art form”. Sinners marks Coogler‘s fifth feature film as director, following his critically acclaimed work on Fruitvale Station, Creed, and the Black Panther films.
Coogler explained: “I had the gift of the opportunity of making a film inspired by my family and my ancestry but it was always a film that we wanted to make for audiences, in theaters. We always had our minds on you, the audience, and felt a deep responsibility to entertain you, and move you in the way only cinema can …” The director spent years developing the script, drawing from personal family histories and cultural traditions.
“I believe in cinema. I believe in the theatrical experience. I believe it is a necessary pillar of society. It’s why me and so many of my colleagues have dedicated our lives to the craft. We don’t get to do what we do if you don’t show up,” he continued, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between filmmakers and audiences in an era when streaming platforms have challenged traditional theatrical exhibition.
“The global theatrical audience has allowed me to dream, find a career, and build a more sustainable life for me and my family. And the only way that I know how to thank you for that, is by continuing to mine my personal human experience and my relationships for more stories to bring to you in cinematic language. The film was shot across multiple locations, representing Coogler‘s most ambitious production to date.
“To see your response to the film has invigorated me and many others who believe in this art form.” Critics have praised Sinners widely, with many highlighting its innovative narrative structure and visual style.
He went on to list his cinema influences naming stars including Spike Lee, John Singleton, Steve McQueen, Ava Duvernay, Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Joel and Ethan Coen, Jordan Peele, John Carpenter, Stephen King and Wes Craven among others. These filmmakers collectively represent a rich tapestry of influences that have shaped modern cinema.
Coogler concluded by writing: “Every time you show up to theaters, you allow us to come back and do it again.”
“And together maybe we can expand the definition of what a blockbuster is, what a horror movie is, and of what an Imax audience looks like. I’ll see you at the movies, popcorn bucket in hand!” Sinners has been breaking attendance records and expanding audience demographics in theaters nationwide.
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The moviemaker signed off the note — which was posted alongside a picture of his family — with a nod to his longtime collaborator Michael B. Jordan, who stars in Sinners, picture editor Michael P. Shawver and composer Ludwig Goransson as well as his movie producer wife Zinzi Coogler. This core creative team has worked with Coogler on multiple projects, creating one of Hollywood’s most successful collaborative partnerships in recent years.
