Ryan Coogler Turns Director's Chair into a Film School: Decoding 'Sinners' Filmmaking in 10 Minutes

 

Ryan Coogler Turns Director's Chair into a Film School: Decoding 'Sinners' Filmmaking in 10 Minutes

Ryan Coogler, the visionary director behind blockbuster hits like Black Panther, is back with his highly anticipated new film, "Sinners." As the vampire-crime thriller hybrid generates significant buzz, a viral 10-minute video featuring Coogler is capturing the attention of film enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, offering a masterclass in the intricate art of filmmaking.   

Released by Kodak days before the film's nationwide debut on Friday, April 18, 2025, this insightful video has already amassed around 1 million views across YouTube and TikTok. It’s not just a promotional clip; it’s a quick deep dive into complex film production concepts, made accessible and engaging by Coogler's passionate delivery.

A Quick Course in Cinematography with Ryan Coogler

In the video, Coogler steps comfortably into the role of an enthusiastic professor, using "Sinners" as his primary case study. He breaks down topics that might seem daunting – like aspect ratios, film formats, and sound design – with clear explanations and visual aids, including actual film strips of varying sizes and a whiteboard filled with detailed drawings.   

Coogler expresses his affection for shooting on celluloid, a practice becoming increasingly rare in the age of digital cinematography. "It’s a format that I fell in love with when I was in film school," he shares in the video. He even brings out different film formats like Super 8mm and Super 16mm to illustrate his points. He also highlights recent acclaimed movies, Anora and The Brutalist, as examples of other projects embracing film.   

The Groundbreaking Filming of 'Sinners': Ultra Panavision 70 and IMAX

A significant focus of the video is the unique technical approach taken for "Sinners." Coogler reveals that the film was shot simultaneously using two distinct and powerful camera systems: Ultra Panavision 70 and IMAX.   

He explains how these choices directly impact the aspect ratio – the proportional relationship between the width and height of the image. Ultra Panavision 70, known for being the widest format available, results in a letterboxed image, cropping the top and bottom of the screen. Conversely, IMAX is the tallest format, leading to cropping on the left and right sides.

Making Cinematic History

This technical decision has propelled "Sinners" into the history books even before its wide release. According to Coogler in the Kodak clip, "Sinners" is the first movie ever shot simultaneously with two different aspect ratios and the first feature film released combining both in its presentation.   

Adding to the historical significance, cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who previously collaborated with Coogler on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has become the first woman to shoot a theatrical feature film on both 65mm (used with Ultra Panavision 70) and IMAX.   

This innovative approach means the theatrical viewing experience for "Sinners" will be unlike any other. In select cinemas, the aspect ratio will dynamically shift throughout the film, changing based on the emotional intensity and narrative demands of specific scenes.

More Than Just Pixels: The Return to Film's Soul

Coogler's decision to return to shooting on celluloid for the first time since his breakout film Fruitvale Station (also starring Michael B. Jordan) in 2013 is driven by more than just technical specifications like achieving a shallow depth of field or high resolution.

He emphasizes his desire to recreate the impactful, moving theatrical experiences he cherished growing up. "My parents was working class in Oakland, and it was the most affordable way for us to go out and have a good time. I still believe in that," Coogler states, highlighting the value he places on the communal and immersive nature of watching a film on the big screen.

'Sinners': A Story Rooted in the South

Beyond the technical marvels, "Sinners" tells a paranormal tale deeply connected to Coogler's Southern roots and family history. Set in a Mississippi hometown, the story follows two brothers who decide to open a juke joint. The film features Coogler’s longtime collaborator, Michael B. Jordan, in a dual role playing twin brothers, Smoke and Stack. Delroy Lindo is also part of the cast.   

See the Innovation Unfold

As "Sinners" opens in theaters nationwide this Friday, audiences will have the chance to witness Ryan Coogler's technical ambition and storytelling prowess firsthand. Whether you're a budding filmmaker curious about aspect ratios explained, a fan of Michael B. Jordan, or simply looking for a unique cinematic experience, "Sinners" promises to deliver on multiple levels.

Consider watching the viral Kodak video for a fascinating 10-minute film school session with Ryan Coogler before or after you see the film to fully appreciate the craft that went into bringing this groundbreaking project to the screen.

("Sinners" is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, which like CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.)