"Let Me Do This (Selfie), I Make Films!" - Tyler Perry Charmed Guests at 'A Jazzman's Blues' Screening at Netflix!

Tyler Perry with Sunil Sadarangani, Shannon Fisher, and Mo Naqvi at the screening
pre-reception of 'A Jazzman Blues'

A special screening of Tyler Perry's 'A Jazzman's Blues' took place on Friday, September 16, 2022, at the Netflix Tudum Theater in Hollywood. As the guests mingled in the theater lobby during the pre-reception, in walked Tyler Perry, owning the room with his effervescence and dynamic presence. As he made his way across the room, I noticed he greeted everyone with his signature smile, shook their hands, and always made eye contact. When he came up to me and my friends (main picture), he did the same. When I asked for a picture, he grabbed my phone and said, "Let Me Do This (Selfie), I Make Films!"

Everyone knows Mr. Perry's very humble beginnings but later on, in the theater, when he introduced the film, I understood why Mr. Perry is here to stay in the entertainment industry and leave his unique legacy, if not already. Speaking to the audience, Perry said: "Twenty-seven years ago, I snuck in to see the August Wilson play, 'Two Trains Running,’ mid-way because I couldn't afford to go to the theatre. Completely blown away by the second half because I didn't see the first half, I met Wilson after the play, who encouraged me to write what I felt from my heart, as I was unsure about my writing abilities. So as I sat down (in a public space) and began to write, I heard someone say, "my name is Bayou" – and that's where 'A Jazzman's Blues' was born."

For Tyler Perry, it is personal and from the heart. And that's what I came away feeling after meeting him and watching 'A Jazzman's Blues' that evening. 

Thank you, Mr. Perry, for your heartfelt contributions!

Watch here for a portion of Tyler Perry's introduction to the film and his grateful thanks to Netlfix: