Steven Soderbergh is creating what he hopes will be a heady cocktail by mixing two of his greatest passions: mind-altering movies and Bolivian brandy brand Singani 63.
Over the course of 63 days, from Sept. 3 through Oct. 30, Singani 63 and British arthouse movie theater chain Everyman will present “A Man Under the Influence: 63 Days of Steven Soderbergh’s Selects” at The Whiteley in London — a weekly film and cocktail series showcasing nine personally and culturally influential films curated by the filmmaker, one from each decade.
The London screening series follows the sold-out success in January of the inaugural “A Man Under the Influence” program in New York, presented in partnership with Nitehawk Cinemas.
Every Thursday night, London filmgoers will be invited to start their evening with a 63-minute happy hour, showcasing a menu of Singani 63 cocktails. Then they can make their way into the theater and order the film’s accompanying cocktail, each week featuring a different top London bar, inspired by the evening’s film.
At that point, Soderbergh will introduce one of his favorite films in an exclusive video before the feature. Films include “Trouble in Paradise,” “Notorious,” “The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T,” “The Servant,” “Jaws,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Fargo,” “Lost in Translation” and “Phantom Thread.”
The filmmaker’s love of the Bolivian brandy dates back to when he was filming “Che” in 2007, when he took his first sip. He then met the Granier family, who produce the spirit at their Casa Real distillery, and in 2009 together they launched Singani 63.
In a statement, Soderbergh said, “Ask yourself: Can I resist the idea of a classic movie, Singani 63, and the groovy Everyman vibe all happening at the same time? The answer is, ‘No, you cannot,’ so get your butt to The Whiteley on Thursdays this fall and let’s light this candle!”
Guests attending the screening series will be the first to enjoy a bespoke Singani 63 signature cocktail, the “Spiced Soderbergh Sour.” Beginning in late September, the cocktail will be available at all 49 Everyman cinemas across the U.K.
As part of the series launch, the spirit will also be sold at all 15 stores run by Amathus, an independent family-owned specialist drinks retailer. The stores will feature special promotions, including giveaways of signed bottles, Everyman membership prizes and tastings.
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