US cinema chain Drafthouse Alamo has launched an ever-so-slightly-crazy competition to find the most dedicated Star Wars fan among its audience.
Beginning at 4am on December 17, the morning before The Force Awakens hits US cinemas, the cinema will screen the previous six movies in order at its Austin, Texas theatre.
Participants will be invited (or should that be challenged) to watch prequel trilogy The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005), followed by the original Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).
That will take the competitors nicely through to the screening time for the new movie, The Force Awakens, which will be shown at the end of the galactic marathon.
That's not the end, however. To borrow a tag line from another sci-fi movie entirely, "there can be only one." The Force Awakens will be shown on repeat until only one of the brave Star Wars fans remains standing (well, sitting.)
The cinema serves food and drinks to your seat, so that’s one relief for competitors, as is the fact that toilet breaks are allowed. Sleeping, however, is not, along with a host of other criteria for disqualification.
“Sleeping, illegal drugs and talking and texting during the movies will result in disqualification and a swift trip to the Sarlacc Pit. However, for those strong enough to persevere, intergalactic immortality awaits,” says the cinema.
Hopefuls should tweet photographic or descriptive evidence of their dedication to the movies using the hashtag #AlamoJedi. Seven finalists will be chosen, with the winner receiving a seven-year movie pass to Alamo Drafthouse cinemas, Star Wars merchandise and a cinema seat named in their honour, along with a naming ceremony.
cnewbould@thenational.ae
