Curtis Nichouls had a love for Jackson, and it extended deep within the community.
In the wake of the filmmaker’s death last week, those who knew him are fighting to continue Nichouls’ legacy.
“I believe he laid a lot of groundwork,” said Wes Miller, a director and one of the many trying to keep that legacy alive. “It’s for us to figure out where that ended with his passing, and where we can pick up that mantle and keep it going.”
Miller and Nichouls worked on various projects together — including Nichouls’ 2022 action-thriller “A Day to Die,” a film set and shot in Jackson, starring Bruce Willis as one of the lead actors.
The two originally met in 2016 during location scouting for Miller’s film “Atone.” Miller recalled the two instantly becoming close friends and business partners. This led to the creation of Nichouls’ production studio Sweet Unknown South, which sought to build a vibrant film industry in the south.
“He believed in Jackson,” Miller said.
Nichouls often fought for movies to be made in the capital city. His production company Sweet Unknown South allowed local college and high school students to intern in an effort to support the local industry. He often volunteered with his fraternity Omega Psi Phi.
“That was one of the tenets of Sweet Unknown South,” Miller said. “That was born from each of our desires to give opportunities to people in the filmmaking world who traditionally would not have access to it. “
Nichouls was found in his Jackson home Aug. 21 — a result of a welfare check request from family members, according to media reports. The Hinds County Coroner’s Office did not respond to requests for further details.
His production company was housed inside the old Dillard’s anchor store at Metrocenter Mall. Nichouls acquired the building in 2024 after approval of his $360,000 bid for the property by Jackson City Council.
Financing for the property unraveled, according to Jackson City Attorney Drew Martin, adding that Nichouls was allowed to use the facility for several months before he was asked to vacate the property.
During that time, the 172,000-square-foot space would be revitalized into a studio for filmmakers. Local film producer Amile Wilson had his sci-fi feature “The Strange” filmed in the studio before it closed. Wilson said Nichouls’ death came as a shock.
“As recently as two weeks ago I was going over reps and locations with him for two projects,” Wilson said.
Wilson had recently written a script, with Nichouls in mind for a leading role. Recasting him will be difficult, he said, because he could only see Nichouls in the role.
Wilson described Nichouls as a huge man with a kind and gentle soul. He plans to finish the project as a tribute to the late filmmaker.
Posts flooded social media in the days after his passing, recalling Nichouls’ dedication to Jackson and his kind spirit to the community.
Clarence Irby was one of many who remembered him.
The two were a part of the EKK Omega Men. They crossed paths in 2023 and often worked together during the fraternity’s philanthropic ventures.
Nichouls was absent from the organization’s 35th annual state meeting last week — something that Irby said was unlike him. Irby called Nichouls to see where he was.
He never received an answer.
“I knew when I called and you didn’t answer or return my call, something wasn’t right. Gone too soon!!!!” Irby stated in a Facebook post.
In an interview with Mississippi Today, Irby recalled Nichouls’ smile during an EKK Omega Men’s cookout for kids returning to school – calling it one of his favorite memories of the late filmmaker.
“He just touched so many people in so many different ways,” Irby said. “We know the void that will be there, but we’re holding up well.”
Omega Psi Phi members from across the state gathered Thursday for a funeral service.
Irby said more events are expected to be held in Nichouls’ honor.
