A24's 'Zola' is a film based entirely on a now-iconic Twitter rant by A’Ziah "Zola" King dubbed '#TheStory', which appeared online in 2017. Though the movie version of King's wild tale was first screened for select audiences during the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, it has just now been given a wide theatrical release throughout North America.
Apparently, A24 held off on releasing the film due to COVID, as the company determined it necessary that it first be shown on the big screen. In a nutshell, 'Zola' is an intoxicating drama that follows the story of a Detriot waitress, who – in an effort to make some quick cash – ends up on a scandalous underworld adventure with her newly met stripper friend.
Written and directed by Janicza Bravo and starring Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, and Nicholas Braun, 'Zola' is the first film to be entirely adapted from a viral Twitter thread.
Social Media-Focused Films
The New A24's 'Zola' Movie is Based On a Legendary Twitterstorm
Trend Themes
1. Social Media Adaptations - The trend of adapting social media threads/stories into films presents an opportunity for studios to create unique and engaging content for audiences.
2. Viral Storytelling - The prevalence of viral storytelling on social media platforms offers an opportunity for filmmakers to tap into existing audiences and potentially gain new ones.
3. Non-traditional Content Sources - The use of non-traditional content sources, such as social media, presents an opportunity to diversify the types of stories being told in the film industry.
Industry Implications
1. Film Industry - The film industry can leverage social media stories to create unique and fresh content, attracting audiences and potentially boosting revenue.
2. Social Media Industry - The social media industry can potentially form partnerships with filmmakers as a way to expand their reach and monetize content.
3. Entertainment Industry - The entertainment industry as a whole can benefit from the trend of viral storytelling and social media adaptations by tapping into a new source of content and potentially reaching a wider audience.