The Mongolian Premiere

Mongolian Bling Mongolian tickets!

It was 4:45pm on Saturday, 6^th July and I was finally heading to the Mongolian premiere of Mongolian Bling. The skies were threatening to explode with rain but nothing could spoil my mood. I’d waited for this moment for years. In fact, the screening was so important to me, that I was feeling anxious.

Bling Party VIP passes

“What if no one comes?” I was thinking as I walked down the street. “What if people don’t like it?” I’d received feedback from audiences and critics from all over the world and while it was generally positive, it was the Mongolians’ thoughts that carried the most weight for me. If they felt the film correctly represented Ulaanbaatar in this day and age, then I’d feel like I’d succeeded. I didn’t even want to think how I would feel if they didn’t like the film.

Movie aside, we’d done all we could to prepare for the day. I’d spent two weeks appearing on TV shows, talking live on radio stations and having interviews with newspapers and magazines. I’d even managed to convince APU, a local alcohol company, to organise an after party. All I could do now was sit back and enjoy the moment.

Chimka and I had struggled to find red carpet and APU had promised to take care of it. I was smiling at the idea of a strip of bright red carpet as I walked into the cinema foyer, oblivious to the surprise I was about to get. Right there before me, six men were erecting a floor-to-ceiling banner for the premiere, complete with the Mongolian Bling and Tengis Cinema logos. Red carpet lay beneath it and as the banner was secured, a row of Mongolian models in traditional clothing walked out and started welcoming guests to the screening.

The banner, TVs and models on the red carpet

After almost a year of showing the film, the Mongolian premiere was quickly shaping up to be the most professional. The carpet, banner and models took the occasion to another level. It looked amazing.

Emily Cowlrick had already shared some photos online. She had responded to a call-out two weeks prior and was taking care of all the social media for the premiere. After seven years of working on Mongolian Bling, I’m still amazed every time someone like Emily comes along and offers their skills. Her social media expertise definitely helped fill the cinema.

Chimka, me, Yesukhei

Me and Badrakh with his mum

The cheers returned each time a character was introduced and when the credits rolled 90 minutes later, the cinema erupted into applause. It said more than any critic ever could.

We managed to stop people before they exited the cinema but the Q’n’A quickly turned into a series of speeches. Bayarmagnai praised the film. Ganbold’s mother stressed the importance of helping people in the Ger Districts. Oyuna, Mongolia’s minister for culture, sport and tourism, was in the crowd and people kept telling her she had to show the film to the president so he’d understand the issues facing the country’s youth. Even Tsogo, having overcome his stage fright, got up and made a speech.

Receiving flowers from Enkhtaivan’s parents

I’d thanked everyone straight after the film and made special mention of Enkhtaivan, dedicating the screening to him but I was surprised when his parents approached with a bunch of flowers. It must have been an incredible experience for them; some foreigner rocking up and screening a film that featured their dead son. I had to fight back tears as Enkhtaivan’s father spoke.

People grabbed a VIP pass on the way out and we all went to Club Vegas for the after party. The banner had been moved there and people started getting photos taken in front of it before moving into the main bar. Inside there was a huge spread of food and bar laden with cocktails. Mongolian Bling logos were plastered all around the venue and my mate, Eamar, was filling the room with music.

Gee and Desant on stage

I thanked everyone again then Badrakh and his mates got up and rapped a few tracks. The crowd soon warmed up and everyone jumped on the dance floor when Gee took to the stage. Gee’s energy on stage is a force to be reckoned with. Quiza came on after him and finally Gennie made her way to the mic. She’d missed the screening but made it to the after party. A few other guys from Gee’s crew rapped and DJ Eamar keep the dance floor moving.

Gennie rapping | Quiza chilling

As the free food and alcohol came to an end, people started dispersing. I stood in the almost empty bar and took in the moment. Mongolian Bling had screened in Mongolia. I was ecstatic that the premiere had gone so well, relieved that it was all over, and not one bit anxious. Grinning, I grabbed a final shot of vodka and followed my friends into the night.

Final shots with randoms

Read part 1: Planning the Mongolian Premiere.

3 Responses to “The Mongolian Premiere”

1. Planning the Mongolian Premiere « Mongolian Bling says:

   August 8, 2013 at 12:30 pm

   […] Read part 2: The Mongolian Premiere. […]

2. Linette says:

   October 9, 2013 at 12:24 am

   So thrilled to see how amazing your journey has been. Have just read through your website and feel so proud to know you and to have watched your box of tape go from beginning to end. You will create change in that country Benj! Well done you. With love on your birthday linettexxx

3. Tim Hoover says:

   August 2, 2014 at 9:49 pm

   Hey, I am absolutely into what you are making in your country. I can’t get enough of the music and the videos, How can I get a hold of more music and videos. Please keep doing this, hope to see more soon. Will there be any tours late 2014 and on into 2015? I am retired from the US Army and most people think that it is strange that I like rap and hip hop, but at 50 and being a fine artist, I have learned to like all forms of art…………Peace