Yesterday, the director of Fruitvale Station – Ryan Coogler – made a stop in Atlanta promoting his award-winning film that chronicles the final moments of Bay Area resident Oscar Grant. After a full day of interviews, Coogler greeted guests of a private screening at Regal Atlantic Station hosted by a collective of civic organizations: the Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals (repped by President Ciji Tatum and VP Cherie Greene), the Emerging 100 (attended by President Kevin Gooch), Atlanta Business League “TheBridge” (attended by Director Nicholas Gowens) and the National Black MBA Association Atlanta (repped by former President Charmaine Ward). Moderated by Ward, the post-screening Q&A featured a humble, 27-year old Coogler who detailed how he got into the movie business, the individuals who inspire him (his parents), and why he chose to depict Oscar Grant’s story on the big screen. “I’m from the Bay Area like Oscar,” said Coogler. “His story could’ve been my story.”
Fruitvale Station opens in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, D.C., Houston and more this Friday, July 19 and everywhere on July 26. For specific theaters, visit www.FruitvaleFilm.com.
Photos: Jazmyne Simmons