Compton Students Get Cinema Experience at ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ Screening

0
17

— Compton native and renowned film director Ava DuVernay hosted students from her hometown to #WrinkleInCompton, an advance screening of her upcoming Disney film “A Wrinkle in Time,” which comes to theaters nationwide Friday, March 9, 2018.

Since the City of Compton does not have movie-theater of its own, DuVernay with the help of Disney gave students from Compton a real movie theater experience on March 2, 2018.

The Dollarhide Community Center was turned into a makeshift movie theater where the students were treated to traditional movie theater refreshments. The chairs were in typical movie theater configuration and a special sound team were enlisted to make sure the sound quality would be the same as in theaters.

Compton hometown girl Ava DuVernay with Compton Mayor Aja Brown.

Compton hometown girl Ava DuVernay with Compton Mayor Aja Brown.

Before watching the movie, the children were greeted by Malia Mason, Miss Compton 2017 and were on hand for a Q&A session between Ava DuVernay and the Mayor of Compton, Aja Brown.

Mayor Brown first asked DuVernay about her motivation for making “A Wrinkle in Time” to which she responded, “I’ve never seen a black girl fly in a movie.” She elaborated by saying that she wanted black and brown kids to finally see themselves represented in a fantasy setting. When asked how she felt about being the first black woman to helm a 100 million dollar film, Ava responded by saying, “I’m the first black woman to do it but I know I won’t be the last, one of you can do it too!” The kids erupted in cheers.

The children loved every minute of the film and went home with A Wrinkle in Time swag like back packs, balls and books!

DuVernay takes a photo with the students attending the screening at the Dollarhide Community Center in Compton on March 2, 2018.

DuVernay takes a photo with the students attending the screening at the Dollarhide Community Center in Compton on March 2, 2018.