Introducing: The Jameson Cinema Club

We’re pretty stoked to announce that we’re launching another independent film initiative! The Jameson Cinema Club is a series of screenings that bring epic indie films from here and abroad to the eyes and ears of local enthusiasts.

Why? Well, it’s no secret that we’re firm believers in the art of doing things differently, which is exactly why we’re die-hard fans of independent films and their makers. In fact, there are tons of ways in which we already support this industry. Like the Jameson First Shot short film competition, The Jameson Music Video Grant and the annual Jameson Cult Film Club gathering.

And now we’re broadening our cinematic horizons even more with pop-up screenings in unexpected locations. So, without further ado: here’s what’s on the cards for this season’s Jameson Cinema Club.

Screening 1: Coming To America | 1 June 2017

This ’88 romantic comedy directed by John Landis is based on a story created by Eddie Murphy, who’s also the lead actor. The story follows Akeem Joffer (played by our pal Eddie), the crown prince of fictional African nation Zamunda, who travels to America in the hopes of finding a wife. The film co-stars Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley and John Amos.

Screening 2: Gangster’s Paradise: Jerusalema | 15 June 2017

This 2008 South African crime film, written and directed by Ralph Ziman, was submitted to the Academy Awards to qualify as a nominee for Best Foreign Language Film. The story is set in Joburg and follows a young thug’s rise from rookie criminal to notorious crime entrepreneur in the turbulent years before and after the fall of Apartheid. The film stars Rapulana Seiphemo, Jeffrey Zekele, Robert Hobbs and Mzwandile Ngubeni.

Screening 3: Soul Food | 29 June 2017

Soul Food is a 1997 American comedy-drama produced by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Tracey Edmonds and Robert Teitel. The film stars Vanessa. L Williams, Vivaca A. Fox, Nia Long, Michael Beach, Mekhi Phifer, Jeffery D. Sams, Irma P. Hall, Gina Ravera and Brandon Hammond. The movie was widely acclaimed for presenting a more positive and wholesome image of an African-American family than what is typically seen in contrasting Hollywood films at the time. The story unfolds through the eyes of 11-year-old Ahmad, and follows the trials of an African-American family that’s held together by family traditions that start to dwindle as serious more problems start to take over.

Screening 4: Human | 13 July 2017

This insightful 2015 documentary that was produced by French environmentalist Yann Arthus-Bertrand over a period of three years. It comprises of real stories and images from around the world, immersing the viewer into the core of what it ultimately means to be human. It was the first movie to premiere in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations, was financed by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, and has been rated a whopping 8.7/10 on IMDb.

NOTE: The Jameson Cinema Club is for devoted independent filmmakers and watchers only.

If you’re keen to wash down this epic viewing experience with equally epic whiskey, then comment with your name and email address and you may crack an invite to the next screening.