Jameson First Shot shorts released

The shorts see two-time Oscar nominee Dafoe take on three very different roles – a hypochondriac ex-ping pong player, a nerve-damaged car accident victim and an android with a heart – in the films written and directed by talented up-and-coming filmmakers.

The three winning short films; Saving Norman from South Africa, The Smile Man from Russia and Love’s Routine from the US are available to view now at YouTube.com/JamesonWhiskey.

Dafoe said of the competition: “I didn’t know who the winners were going to be so it was a risk, but it was gamble I enjoyed. My main focus on set was to support each of the director’s in the best way that I could so that they could realise their film and take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

Kevin Spacey, creative director of the competition and star of last year’s winning films, said: “We have given another three people the opportunity of a lifetime and produced another three incredible films.

“Last year was an unforgettable experience for me and being on board as creative director this year has allowed me to still be a part of the truly unique opportunity we’re offering to these filmmakers of the future.”

Shine Studios in Johannesburg played host to the premiere of Hanneke Schutte’s winning film, Saving Norman on May 25, followed by Anton Lanshakov’s short, The Smile Man at Strelka Institute in Moscow on June 15. The global premieres concluded with a screening of Shirlyn Wong’s winning entry, Love’s Routine on June 19 held at the Northside Festival in Brooklyn, New York.

Writer/directors who think they have what it takes to be one of next year’s three winners are encouraged to register their interest now at jamesonfirstshot.com to get all the updates on next year’s competition.