Debra Martin Chase and Tika Sumpter. (Nicholas Hunt / PatrickMcMullan.com)

The Cinema Society with Circa and Alice & Olivia hosted a special screening of Whitney Houston’s final movie, Sparkle, last night at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. This was a bittersweet moment for all of the cast and crew, particularly for two-time Emmy-nominated film producer, Debra Martin Chase, who also co-produced The Princess Diaries with the late singer over a decade ago.

“This was a twelve-year journey for Whitney and I to get this movie made,” former lawyer Ms. Chase told us. “It was her idea do the remake [of the 1976 film of the same name], and we spent the last twelve years trying to get it done. We had the most fun we’ve ever had making a movie. I know people always say that, but we really had a ball making this movie.”

Actress Tika Sumpter, from Gossip Girl, was sparkling head-to-toe in a golden dress. She also reminisced about working with Whitney Houston.

“I’ll be able to tell my future children about all the experiences I’ve had [working with Whitney]. I grew up listening to Whitney, being like, 'Who is this gorgeous black girl who has this ridiculous voice?' Amazing. And I got to work with her.”

While The Observer was thrilled at being able to sit three seats away from recording artist Jordin Sparks, Ms. Sumpter appeared equally chuffed to be in the presence of an Olympic swimmer and gold-medal winner, Cullen Jones.

“I want a photo with the Olympic swimmer!” Ms. Sumpter called out to a photographer as everyone spilled into the movie theatre. She also openly admitted to have being intimated by Ms. Houston to begin with.

“On the first day, Whitney walked in and sat at the table. I was sitting next to her and my leg was shaking underneath,” Ms. Sumpter gushed, demonstrating how her long legs had trembled uncontrollably. “She taught me that you’re never too big to be humble. She made it easy for everybody. She made us feel like a family from the very beginning.”

“She was very classy, and silly as shit,” interjected actor, Derek Luke, his eyes glistening with tears.

Ms. Houston’s lines in the script seemed to gain a whole new meaning as they echoed in the movie theater later on. She was cast as Emma, the mother to three daughters, Sister, Delores and Sparkle played by Carmen Ejogo, Ms. Sumpter and Ms. Sparks respectively. The loving exchanges between Ms. Houston and the rest of the cast were not the result of good acting, but clearly born of very sincere and deep affection.

“It’s Sparkle’s story that really makes it special,” Ms. Chase enthused. “It’s both an inspirational tale and a cautionary tale. It’s a tale about having the courage to work to fulfill your dreams, but also about the choices you make in life to take you down the road.”