‘Flower’ premiere showcases Jackson’s creative brilliance
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Jackson’s creative community gathered in style at the Capri Theatre in Fondren for the premiere of “Flower”, a short film directed by hip hop artist Coke Bumaye and written by local business owner Kansas Gray. The film, shot by 808 the Bass with visual tone and aesthetic by Amanda Osborne and dream direction from Amanda Furdge, serves as a poetic adaptation of Gray’s children’s coloring book “PeeWee NBA Dreamz.”
“Flower” tells the heartfelt story of a single mother, Flower, and her son, PeeWee, whose dreams of playing in the NBA intertwine with his mother’s unwavering love and determination. “We felt it important to create this film from the coloring book because we deserve to tell our own stories and these stories connect us all,” said Bumaye. Gray added, “Flower is inspired by PeeWee NBA Dreamz and celebrates the incredible role of mothers.”
The premiere, a black-tie affair, brought out some of Jackson’s finest entertainers, with comedian Nardo Blackmon commanding the red carpet. It was a powerful night of unity, creativity, and pride, and proof Black Art in Mississippi continues to grow and thrive.
Black creatives coming together in celebration of storytelling is one of its purest forms of entertainment. It was a reminder of the brilliance that lives and grows in South Jackson.
