Published on 16, Jun 2023

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BKLKO4ghqwDauw-K-SfLYx4QcJ5Il5AIq6CnFzp_du8/edit?usp=sharing

The Little Mermaid Comes to Philadelphia: Tianna Robinson Hosts Screening for Community Leaders and Children

PHILADELPHIA, PA–Tianna Robinson, who is an entertainment publicist, Philadelphia native, and Chief Creative at Intertwined Agency, returned to her hometown to host something special for local children: a screening of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The June 4, 2023, event brought together families, leaders, and kids, all of whom were captivated by the live-action retelling of the 1989 classic animated film.

Tianna explains that she wanted to do something special, alongside the #WinWithBlackWomen nationwide theater buyout campaign, which advocates for more representations of Black women and the fostering of community solidarity.

“We live at a pivotal time in the entertainment industry, when we are beginning to see on screen a bigger reflection of the wonderful diversity across the United States,” Tianna says. “The screening was a chance to celebrate the casting of a wonderful African American actress in the lead role of Ariel and to have meaningful conversations about the importance of diverse and inclusive representation in media and entertainment.”

In preparing for the event, Tianna and her team at Intertwined Agency worked with schools, churches, and online groups to get the word out. She found plenty of support, as many Philadelphians, young and old, were excited about seeing a modern version of the beloved fairy tale that focuses on the power and resilience of its central character.

“Once the movie was over, we couldn’t stop talking about it,” she recalls. “No matter what generation we were from, we all knew we had seen something special, and it was a race to see who could tell their favorite parts first. We were all chattering about how real the special effects were and how gripping the story was. It was such a fun, uplifting time for everyone.”

The screening was especially memorable for the younger attendees, as it included raffles and giveaways, ensuring that every child went home with a bookbag full of mermaid-themed gifts. The most meaningful gift being notebooks and pens. In giving each child a notebook and pen, I wanted to gift them with something very important: the power to make their dreams come true.”

Tianna believes deeply in the ability of writing to help anyone to manifest their dreams. Her hope is that by having a place to write down their own goals, each child will be inspired to believe that the life they want is not just possible - it is destined to come to them.

“We all have the same potential to be anything we want to be in life and to accomplish anything,” she says. “We must be the encouragement that someone else may need in order to take another step closer to achieving their dreams.”