Swansea's story showcased in America
29th June
Jack to a King - The Swansea story - has been showcased to audiences in America with hundreds viewing the film in New York and Washington DC last week.
The film sold-out Tribeca Cinema at the Kicking and Screening soccer film festival in New York and had a special showing for fans and the UK Ambassador to America - Sir Peter Westmacott - at the British Embassy in Washington DC.
Greg Lalas, co-founder of K+S soccer film festival, hailed the film screening a success with Swans fans living in New York showing up to view the documentary film hours before the doors opened, with a collection of cinema goers singing hymns and arias as the lights went down for the showing on Tuesday night.
"Jack to a King is a first-class film with a killer story," said Lalas. "The indicator of how good a story it is was highlighted by hearing people after the film talk about how they will now follow the club."
Swansea City Vice-Chairman Leigh Dineen along with Directors Martin Morgan and Brian Katzen joined associate director David Morgan and the film's executive producer Mal Pope on the trip to talk about their part in the film and the Swansea story with American audiences.
"Having Leigh and the rest of the guys here validates the importance of the face-to-face connection between a club and its supporters," Lalas added.
"They reinforce the fan-driven nature of the Swans and give it a real human touch.
"Fans in the States can watch Swansea City on TV every weekend, but most of us will never get a chance to see them in person.
"When people from the club like Leigh and Martin etcetera, show up in America, share a pint with the man on the street and give a real face to what we see on TV - and the movie screen - it is a powerful statement, and goes a long way toward building the fan base."
During the five-day visit to the east coast of America the group also met up with former Swans striker Giovanni Savarese - now head coach at NASL side New York Cosmos - showing the film to some of his players ahead of their US Open Cup tie against New York Red Bulls.
In Washington DC, around 100 British Embassy workers and invited guests watched the film at a special screening on Thursday evening.
Gareth Morgan, Head of Welsh Government in North America, believed Jack to a King would help promote the club across the United States.
"The film went down really well here - people in America can certainly resonate with an underdog story," he said.
"Football in America is growing fast and there is a real opportunity for Swansea City to make a mark and grab a new audience over here by showcasing their story. It will be great for the club and for Wales.
Dan Giffin, from MLS side DC United, also saw the film at the British Embassy.
"I thought the film was top class," he said. "It is a story I think people in America who are not even football fans will engage with. It kept you glued to the screen the entire time.
"Many fans will be able to draw comparisons between Swansea City and sports teams in America. I would love to show this film to our team as an incentive before a game."
LINK: Williams excited to be back
LINK: Watch the Swans' first day of pre-season tests
LINK: Buy the new Swans away kit today
LINK: Perfect pre-season laid foundations for success, says Monk
