The world changed on 25 June 2009 when the news of Michael Jackson's death filtered its way through to the far corners of the globe and it slowly dawned on us all that the most recognisable figure in music was no longer with us.
While the mourning went on, Michael Jackson's creative partner and stage director Kenny Ortega has been working on a special documentary called This Is It – an up close and personal, behind-the-scenes look at Jackson rehearsing for his series of sold-out shows at London's O2 Arena, which were scheduled to kick off shortly before his untimely death. What started out as eerie leaked footage of Jackson and his troupe of back-up dancers rehearsing at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles just two days before his death, has now been lovingly assembled to create the most anticipated documentary musical feature of the year. And now you have the opportunity to get an intimate look into the pop phenomenon's life before his tragic end.
- Watch the trailer here
Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, the documentary captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, creative force, and artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. Although no-one could have guessed the true nature of its finality.
"Michael Jackson has an army of fans everywhere around the world. By rolling out this film with simultaneous premieres and special advance screenings on 27 October, we are giving audiences an incredible opportunity to join together in celebration of Michael Jackson’s incredible career," said Jeff Blake, chairman, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Sony Pictures.
Michael Jackson’s This Is It will be released worldwide for a limited two-week engagement beginning, Wednesday October 28. Tickets for all shows are currently on sale at cinemas around the country. South African fans can purchase tickets for both the release of the film and the special premiere by visiting www.thisisitmovie.co.za
The South African premiere will take place on Thursday, 28 October at 3am at Ster-Kinekor Fourways Mall, Cavendish in Cape Town, Gateway in Durban and Sterland in Pretoria. Tickets to the premiere are on sale for R200.
With Michael Jackson fever still running high in the aftermath of his death, and subsequent controversy surrounding the cause of death, This Is It looks primed to be a mega success. You'd be a fool (or a not much of a Michael Jackson fan) to miss out on this special opportunity to witness the magic in motion, and so close to his final curtain. Tickets are selling out fast – so head over to the official site and book your seats!