CLARKSDALE, MS — A special screening of “Sinners” with director Ryan Coogler drew hundreds of people to a local auditorium Thursday thanks to a community petition that went viral.

“Sinners” is a supernatural horror film set in Clarksdale which stars Michael B. Jordan who plays twin brothers who return to their hometown in Mississippi to start a business. Though fictional, the film has been praised for its exploration of culture in the Mississippi Delta and exposing audiences to Black and Asian American history in the story.

“Sinners” has been one of the most commercially successful films this year, grossing more than $200 million in less than one month.

Coogler, an Oakland-native, told the audience he has family from Mississippi and said coming there had an impact on him.

The screening was made possible after community members started a petition inviting the cast and crew to Clarksdale because the town still doesn’t have a movie theater. The petition went viral after appearing in an online news story.

The screening of “Sinners” on Thursday also kicked off the Clarksdale Cultural Capital festival, which features music performances and events hosted by the local community.

More on the special screening of “Sinners” in Clarksdale, Mississippi.