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I'm not at all a competition
fanatic, but when I heard that M-Net movies was arranging one, I knew I simply
had to be a part of it. So, after writing my detailed motivation of why I
should be chosen to take part, I waited with bated breath to hear if I my
application would be accepted. And to the greatest of joy, I was indeed chosen
as one of the 8 contestants to take part in the Sandton leg of this national
competition.
I must confess that I was
extremely impressed by the entire set-up when I arrived at Sandton city the day
of the competition.
Each of the eight contestants would watch one of the brand new M-Net Movies channels on DSTV for a full 24 hours period. This, of
course, taking place in complete movie going comfort, with each contestant
watching their films on a very comfortable reclining couch and from a beautiful Samsung LED television set. Contestants would also have designated assistants to make
sure that always have fueled with the best of movie going treats. Oh, and for
those wondering, you do also get a few bathroom breaks in order to ensure no
contestants experience discomfort during the competition.
Movie channels were chosen at
random and I must admit, there were two channels I were dreading most: the
showcase and family channel. As Murphy would have it, I ended up choosing the
family channel. If you read my blog regularly,
you would have noticed that I don't ever review family movies and this
is mostly because I really can't stomach the average overly soppy film about a talking animal. With the fear of having to watch Free Willy firmly
in my mind, I bravely approached my couch to see what cruel destiny fate has
brought upon me.To my elated surprise
however, the new family channel was not as horrible as I was expecting it to
be. In fact, I only had to struggle through one film about a talking animal (Black Beauty) and
this alone was a stupendous victory for M-Net in my mind. Some of the films I
had to watch included classic as well as blockbusters like Titanic, Harry
Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Something's gotta give and Three to
tango.
To be frank, I was however very surprised (and a bit confused) to see
some of these films showing on the family channel. Whilst Muppets in Space
makes perfect sense on a family channel, I couldn't really justify why a film
like Chain of Fools (2000), a black comedy about suicide and assassinations was
showing. Not that I am complaining – it was unexpected gems like these that
elevated the whole experience for me. I guess I do need to consider the the
time when these movies were playing, namely between 2 and 6 in the morning – even on a channels titled family, you can get away with a few more raunchier
movies if it shows during an unorthodox timeslot. Nevertheless, I was very
impressed with the sheer variety of movies being shown on the channel and my
negative preconceptions about the family channel were shown to be unfounded and
premature.
With 7 of the 8 contestants
surviving the marathon without falling asleep, it was down to a movie trivia
round to decide the ultimate winner. Unfortunately my fatigued mind let me down
in the final stretch, but I truly believe the best man won. In summary, the M-Net movie marathon competition was one of those rare, once in a lifetime
experiences that I was truly blessed to be a part of. Big ups to the organisers
for a professional event that I will fondly remember for the rest of my life.
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| The back of my seat, detailing my entry for the M-Net Movies Marathon Competition. |
