SOLD OUT BEFORE THE ANNOUNCEMENT: BLD PWR, Black Cinema Club HTX & The Sessions Host Special Screening of MICHAEL
Featuring Kendrick Sampson as Special Guest on Film Release Weekend in Houston, TX
Press contact:
Dorcey Kuti | Gazelle Media Group
dorcey@gazellemediagroup.agency or pr@bldpwr.com
832-287-1664
HOUSTON, TX — April 21, 2026 — BLD PWR, Black Cinema Club HTX, and The Sessions are proud to announce a special screening of MICHAEL, the highly anticipated biographical film directed by Antoine Fuqua, on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at River Oaks Theatre in Houston, Texas. The screening features Houston’s own, actor and activist Kendrick Sampson as a special guest. Sampson, who portrays legendary music producer Quincy Jones in the film, will be in attendance for the red carpet, a special introduction before the film, and a post-screening conversation.
The 7:15 PM screening sold out before the official announcement or flyer was released publicly, a testament to the demand for this event in the Houston community and the city's deep connection to the culture surrounding this film.
“Houston didn’t just show up, Houston built around this moment. The fact that this screening sold out within 20 minutes of our ptells you everything about what this city is ready for.”
— Dorcey Kuti, PR & Communications Director, BLD PWR
In addition to the screening, BLD PWR and Emergent & Co. are producing an invite-only Living Room Experience earlier in the day at Studio 808 in Houston. Themed around the world of Quincy Jones, whose Bel Air home was a legendary gathering place for the world’s greatest artists, the experience will bring together Houston’s creative community for an intimate conversation about culture, storytelling, and what the city is building.
EVENT DETAILS
Special Screening of MICHAEL
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Red Carpet: 6:00 PM
Screening: 7:15 PM (SOLD OUT)
Venue: River Oaks Theatre, 2009 W Gray, Houston, TX 77019
Special Guest: Kendrick Sampson (“Quincy Jones” in MICHAEL)
Presented by: BLD PWR × Black Cinema Club HTX × The Sessions
MEDIA COVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES
Media are invited to cover the red carpet beginning at 6:00 PM at River Oaks Theatre. Please note that due to the sold-out nature of the screening, press seating inside the theater is not guaranteed. Press credentials and red carpet access must be confirmed in advance.
Select media are also invited to attend the Living Room Experience: Quincy Jones Edition earlier in the day at Studio 808. This is an intimate, invite-only gathering and attendance is by confirmation only. Please reach out directly to express interest.
ABOUT BLD PWR
BLD PWR (Build Power) is a social justice nonprofit founded by actor and activist Kendrick Sampson. The organization is dedicated to building power in communities through culture, storytelling, civic engagement, and organizing. BLD PWR uses entertainment and the arts as vehicles for systemic change.
ABOUT BLACK CINEMA CLUB HTX
Black Cinema Club HTX (BCCX) is Houston’s premier Black film community, dedicated to celebrating and amplifying Black cinema through screenings, discussions, and cultural programming at River Oaks Theatre and beyond.
ABOUT THE MICHAEL FILM
MICHAEL is the authorized biographical film of Michael Jackson, directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by the Michael Jackson Estate. The film chronicles the life and artistry of the King of Pop, with Jaafar Jackson in the title role and Kendrick Sampson as legendary producer Quincy Jones. The film opens in theaters April 24, 2026.
