Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey attended the premiere of Spirit of a Denture, the winning South African film from the Trigger Street Productions Presents Jameson First Shot competition, at Turbine Hall in Johannesburg on 12 May 2012.
Local filmmaker Alan Shelley, a 26 year-old from Cape Town, beat off competition from over 700 other entries with his captivating script to be named one of three winners worldwide. Shelley then received the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly to Los Angeles to shoot his winning short film, directing Kevin Spacey in the leading role, all with the backing of award-winning production company Trigger Street Productions. His hilarious short film entitled Spirit of a Denture tells the story of a workaholic dentist who gets a visit from a disruptive pirate.
Shelley said of the evening: “I can’t quite believe I’m attending the premiere of my own short film – it’s completely surreal. I’m so honoured to have been chosen to represent South Africa in the competition and I only hope that people enjoy my film. I’m also completely indebted to Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti for being so generous with their time and enthusiasm on this project – it really has been an incredible opportunity.’
The premiere, held in one of Johannesburg’s most iconic venues at the heart of its arts and culture precinct in Newtown was attended by over 300 guests, which saw South African actor and TV presenter, Tumisho Masha presiding over the evening’s events as host and MC.
Guests of honour included Kevin Spacey, president of Trigger Street Productions and award-winning producer Dana Brunetti and local winner Alan Shelley, along with scriptwriter Thandi Brewer, South African actor Dr John Kani and internationally renowned South Africans Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Lebo M.
Spirit of a Denture is available to watch now on the Jameson YouTube Channel: youtube.com/jamesonwhiskey.
Any budding directors who think they have what it takes to be the next South African winner are encouraged to register their interest now at jamesonfirstshot.com to make sure they get all the updates on next year’s competition.
