WATCH: Bluff City’s Jookin Scene Takes Center Stage in ‘Memphis Majic’

By Sameer Rao Oct 05, 2018

Many aspects of Memphis, Tennessee’s public image—crunk, soul, blues, anti-racist organizing—originated with the Black residents who make up more than 60 percent of its population. Filmmaker Eddie Bailey highlights the community’s history and present through the story of its jookin subculture in "Memphis Majic," his new documentary currently screening at film festivals and other regional events.

The latest trailer, which appeared on the film’s Facebook page on Tuesday (October 2), showcases the dance style’s unique mix of fluid moves and agile footwork as local dancers discuss its roots. The video intersperses these clips with scenes from protests against the city’s longstanding monuments to Confederate and White supremacist historical figures.