Discover the Truth: How ‘Sinners’ Illuminates the Stories of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

Celebrating Choctaw Culture in “Sinners”

In the film “Sinners,” the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians gets its moment in the spotlight. This horror movie features a unique scene where Choctaw actors portray their culture authentically. For many, it’s a meaningful representation that highlights their way of life.

In a powerful scene, a group of Choctaw, riding horses and in a vintage truck, visits a farmhouse to warn a couple about impending danger. When the couple declines their help, a Choctaw man wishes them luck in his native tongue. Cynthia Massey, a cultural consultant for the film, expressed her pride, stating, “I’ve not seen another movie that has our language spoken correctly.”

Massey leads the Chahta Immi Cultural Center, where she and her team worked intensively with filmmakers to ensure accurate portrayals of the tribe. They researched the 1930s—the time period of the film—examining how their ancestors dressed, spoke, and lived. Jay Wesley, another cultural consultant, felt honored that the filmmakers sought an authentic representation.

Wesley was also involved in connecting the film crew with Choctaw actors and cultural materials, including beautiful beaded sashes. These items are featured in a display at the cultural center, celebrating the movie’s cultural significance.

The film also includes a snippet of a Choctaw war chant, performed by Wesley’s daughter, Jaeden, a UCLA student. She noted that this music was deliberately included to honor their people, saying, "We were catering to our own."

Proximity Media, the production company behind “Sinners,” aims to highlight often-overlooked cultures. Founded by Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian, the company prides itself on authentic storytelling. Ohanian remarked that it was essential to include the right people to guide the film’s narrative accurately.

Their commitment to authenticity earned praise from the community. Recently, organizers sent an open letter inviting the filmmakers to visit Clarksdale, Mississippi, where the movie is set. They accepted the invitation and attended a screening, strengthening their connection to the local culture.

Ohanian hopes “Sinners” inspires other filmmakers to be authentic in their work, noting the film industry has often misrepresented nonwhite cultures. The hope among Wesley and his team is that audiences become curious about Choctaw culture and want to learn more, leading them to the Chahta Immi Cultural Center.

Massey emphasized the importance of recognizing the Choctaw legacy, saying much of Mississippi was originally Choctaw land. Today, they have just 350,000 acres left, underscoring their historical significance.

The film has boosted pride within the Choctaw community. Nickey, another consultant, wishes to spark a cultural renaissance, especially as fewer young people speak their native language. She hopes kids realize it’s okay to embrace their heritage and learn their language.

According to a recent survey by the National Park Service, less than 20% of Native American youth actively use their ancestral languages. Efforts like those seen in “Sinners” can reshape this narrative and preserve valuable cultural identities.

By focusing on authentic representation, “Sinners” not only entertains but also educates, shining a light on the rich heritage of the Choctaw people. For those interested in learning more, consider exploring the Chahta Immi Cultural Center to discover the beauty of Choctaw traditions and history.

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Ryan Coogler, Mississippi, Movies, Jaeden Wesley, Michael B. Jordan, Indigenous people, General news, MS State Wire, U.S. news, Cynthia Massey, Jay Wesley, Entertainment, Race and ethnicity, U.S. News, Race and Ethnicity