Throw in one talented movie star such as Kevin Spacey, add in a powerful Hollywood producer that is Dana Brunetti and add a dash (or more) of Jameson and you have a movement that's likely to stir stiff competition!
Luckily for our local Jameson First Shot 2013 winner Hanneke Schutte, this was her opportunity to shine at their premiere of her film, Saving Norman. Talk about girl power!
The Jameson First Shot competition gives young and talented creatives that ‘first shot’ in the film industry by having their short film produced by Trigger Street Productions and giving them the chance to direct a Hollywood A-lister in the leading role. This year the talented Willem Dafoe fulfilled that role.
After flying to L.A to shoot her winning piece and being mentored by Kevin Spacey it was time to share her vision with her biggest fans back home at the premiere of her masterpiece – Saving Norman.
An eclectic mix of actors, directors and socialites descended at the Shine Studios for the premiere. We also can't ignore the fact that most in attendance were also eager catch a glimpse of Kevin Spacey as well – just saying!
Whilst waiting for Hanneke to arrive guests were treated to delicious cocktails before the premiere. I managed to bump into Mr South Africa, Andrew Govender who mentioned that he was in familiar turf as he just shot scenes for the SABC 3 TV show High Rollers recently.
Getting a little star struck before Kevin had even arrived, Andrew and I managed to grab a quick chat with Carte Blanche icon Derek Watts! Humble as ever and super tall, it was an honour to meet him!
Hanneke, along with Kevin Spacey and team, finally arrived and we all proceeded to the screening room to watch the masterpiece unfold.
Host, actor and talented filmmaker as well, Akin Omotoso introduced the two other winning films before Hanneke debuted Saving Norman.
The nine minute short starring William Dafoe tells the story of hypochondriac ex ping pong player who never got over missing a major tournament final because of a cold. Poignant, funny and artistic, the short was refreshing to watch and William executed his role with such conviction even though he had JUST learnt to play ping pong!
After a quick Q&A, guests were ushered upstairs to the after party. Scrumptious canapés, (more) delicious cocktails and awesome music courtesy of Dino Bravo kick started the night.
Kevin Spacey, Hanneke and Dana were super friendly to the guests, chatting to us and obliging to take pics.
Former Miss SA Bokang Montjane, looked stunning as usual as well as besties Jennifer Su and Liezel van der Westhuizen.
For a premier that started at 5pm time sure did creep up on us pretty fast and by midnight it was time to wrap it up.
The evening may have drawn to a close but one star that will continue to shine for some time to come is that off Hanneke Schutte. With the support of some of the industries best and a brand such as Jameson behind her, it’s just a matter of time before Hanneke takes over Hollywood.
Watch Saving Norman below and tell us if you think the film is hot or not!
DJ Roxxi is a female DJ, producer, writer and lover of all things fab keeping you in-the-know on the latest in music and entertainment in SA!
