Movies, anyone? A KC rapper’s TikTok has sparked a fast-growing film club
When you hear about clubs in Kansas City, you might conjure scenes of going out dancing at night clubs or popular bars. But there’s a new KC club that’s quite the opposite.
The Mainstreet Movie Club, founded by a KC native and local rapper, is bringing a new way to meet new people and foster community to the metro.
With streaming platforms becoming more popular over the years, physically going to the movies has been on the decline, and there’s been a growing lack of community for movie-goers and film buffs. This movie club is helping bring Kansas Citians back to the theaters — and talk about current trends in cinema.
The Royal Chief, a KC rapper born as Jamel Thompson, started the group through TikTok earlier this year after receiving feedback that people wanted a way to go see movies together.
The first movie outing to kick the club off was to see “Sinners” in April earlier this year — a Ryan Coogler horror starring Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld that lit social media abuzz with theories and discourse.
“As an OG member of the club I joined because I enjoy the vibe Royal Chief brings to his projects,” said Cherayla Haynes, one of the original members of the club. “He has an authenticity of artistry that draws people in.”
“Allowing us to discuss the movie afterwards is top tier artistic curation,” she said. “As a fellow artist, it is rare to be able to consume art with like-minded people and discuss at length with people from varying backgrounds and levels of cinema knowledge.”
Thompson said many people responded to his initial call on TikTok to create the club, saying they loved movies but often went alone because they couldn’t find people to go with. From Gen Z to Gen X, Kansas Citians of all walks of life started showing interest on social media — and started to show up in real life.
The direct messages quickly started flowing in, Thompson said, with many asking how to join the club to share their love of movies with others.
“If I’m creating things, I want it to be experiences with people and social events. …. This is like the concert version of movie watching,” Thompson said. “People love it.”
In fact, Thompson’s concept became so popular that he secured a partnership with B&B Theatres and the KC Streetcar. Through the partnership, movie-goers purchase their tickets, which guarantees their spot for the movie and post-film discussion that the theater helps find a space for. The KC Streetcar provides free transportation from the River Market meet-up stop to B&B that is along the route, so club members don’t struggle to find parking downtown.
“It really checks off the boxes for the definition of ‘community,’” said Kendon McClaine, also one of the regular members of the club.
“It’s fun, fellowship, and a safe space for some that may not be keen on going to the movies by themselves. … It’s hard enough to get your personal friend groups together for things. This is that opportunity for some people.”
A uniquely KC community
Thompson’s inspiration for music and community building stems from his love of creativity and storytelling dating back to his childhood in KC.
He wrote and rapped a Kansas City Current theme song, “Teal Town,” earlier this year in partnership with the Current for Black History Month. His music has also been featured in the Peacock reboot of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," called "Bel-Air" and created by Kansas City native Morgan Cooper. Thompson's song, "See Me Now," is in Season 2, Episode 1 and his song “Obvious,” is in Season 3, Episode 9.
Every month, the members of Mainstreet Movie Club discuss in their social media group chat which movies are coming out and what they’d like to see, then do a majority vote on what the group will attend.
For September, the group picked the highly anticipated sports thriller “Him,” which stars comedian Marlon Wayans and “Atlanta” actor Tyriq Withers. The Star joined the club Thursday, Sept. 18 to experience the communal routine — riding the streetcar, catching the movie and listening in on the post-film discussion.
Prior to the actual meetup, members share different memes over their Instagram group chat, early thoughts on the movie’s trailer and overall excitement around seeing the movie together.
“I think there’s a lot of genuine relationships being built at this club,” Thompson shared. “That’s super cool to me. It’s so cool that they go see movies (together) without the club.”
At the September meetup, the club had one of the biggest turnouts yet. Almost 50 members met at Enzo Bistro & Wine Bar, a local KC restaurant right in the heart of River Market, to grab food and drinks before hopping on the KC Streetcar to head to B&B Theatres on Main Street.
“I love that Chief organizes and plans out the event for all of us,” said Sachia Perrine, who was at the “Him” watch and has attended several other movies with the group.
“He supports small food businesses in the River Market prior to the movie for socializing and yummy eats. Riding the streetcar from the restaurant to the venue as a group is so much fun and just provides a seamless experience for us all.”
KC Streetcar communications and marketing director Donna Mandelbaum said she was excited to see this community of movie watchers come together in fellowship — and also utilize the KC Streetcar as more than just transportation.
Mandelbaum actually found out about the movie club from TikTok and commented from the streetcar’s account, she said.
“We are more than just a mode of transportation, but we are a way to build a social experience and connect with each other,” Mandelbaum said.
“The streetcar physically connects you to different parts of downtown. … Also, when you’re riding you get to connect with the people inside. So it’s a real social experience and a way to build community around public transit.”
Upon boarding the streetcar in the River Market, many movie-goers started new conversations with each other, introducing themselves and sitting next to one another as we made our way to B&B.
The theater itself was very spacious and cozy; everyone was able to comfortably sit in their ticketed spot with their snacks of choice.
After the movie comes what many say is the best part of the club: the post-movie discussion. Most of the group gathered in Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille — which stayed open late just for the movie club discourse.
This time around, “Him” left many with questions surrounding the movie and ending. Thompson facilitated the conversation.
Many nodded their heads in agreement as people discussed the sports thriller’s tropes and themes, which included sentiments from ex-athletes and people who are spiritual. Some even shared that they felt the movie was loosely based on Patrick Mahomes.
“My favorite part about the movie club is that we are in this together and it’s Black-owned, but anyone can be a part of it,” said Timothy Boykin. “… I’ve only been in it 3 weeks but I love it.”
Those interested in the club can add The Royal Chief on Instagram and send him a message to be added to the group chat for upcoming movie meetups and discussions. The movie club meets at least once a month and is currently voting on what movie they’re going to see together for October.
This story was originally published September 24, 2025 at 2:45 PM.
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