Ryan Coogler is pulling no punches when it comes to Sinners. The award-winning filmmaker sat down with Sway on Sway’s Universe to speak passionately about why he made the film, the cinematic experience he’s chasing, and why audiences need to get to the theaters now—not later.
“For me, I just wanted to make something that, first and foremost, was a great time at the theater,” Coogler shared. “Right now, we’ve got so many distractions—so much content fighting for our attention on phones and at home. I think post-pandemic, folks are just out of the habit of going to the movies on weekends.”
With Sinners, he’s aiming to change that—and he’s doing it in a big way.
READ: Ryan Coogler Says You’ve Got 2 Weeks to See ‘Sinners’ the Way It Was Meant to Be Seen [VIDEO]
The film was shot using massive IMAX 15 perf 65mm cameras and will be projected on motion picture film in just 10 select theaters globally—a historic feat. “It’s the first time a film from a Black filmmaker is being projected on motion picture film, IMAX 15 perf 70mm,” Coogler explained. “That format is the most immersive that’s ever been made for motion picture photography.”
Coogler shouted out Jordan Peele for helping to pave the way. “Jordan broke a lot of ground when he shot Nope on that format. We’re following in those footsteps.”
For fans planning to see Sinners, he made one thing clear: time is of the essence. The special 70mm IMAX projection is only running for two weeks before Thunderbolts hits theaters and takes over screens. After that, Sinners will still be available in other formats, but this two-week window is the chance to see it as intended.
To celebrate the theatrical release, Coogler also revealed a collector’s gift: a special edition film print souvenir available exclusively in select IMAX theaters opening weekend. “It shows exactly how the film is going to be projected,” he said while unveiling the gift live on-air. “It’s a beautiful piece.”
His excitement was infectious, not just for the film, but for the artistry behind it. “This is cinema,” he emphasized. “Not content.”
So, if you’re planning to pull up—especially opening weekend—know that Coogler and his team are delivering a full-on cinematic event. “We shot it for the big screen. We want people to feel it. And if I brought you something, I want to make sure you see it the way it was meant to be seen.”
‘Sinners’ opens in theaters nationwide on April 18t, with a limited run in IMAX 70mm projection in select locations. The special edition film print will be available opening weekend while supplies last.
