Manchester City last night rolled out the blue carpet for the premiere of the club’s new film, Blue Moon Rising, at the Printworks.
Roberto Mancini and his squad put dreams of Premier League domination on hold for one evening to attend the glittering event held at the Odeon Cinema.
Producer Nick London said he felt it was vital for the film to get across the uniqueness of being a City fan.
He said: “This is a film seen through the eyes of a group of City fans and what it means to love a football club. We really wanted to present that well known self-deprecating humour of a Manchester City fan.
“I’m very confident that all football supporters can strongly relate to these guys, no matter who they support.”
Soap stars Michelle Keegan and Jorgie Porter were also in attendance, helping to add a little glamour to the occasion, although the show was inevitably stolen by lifelong blues fan Noel Gallagher.
The former Oasis guitarist signed autographs and posed for pictures with waiting fans.
Whilst the Gallagher brother makes frequent appearances in the behind-the-scenes documentary, the film’s real stars are five diehard City fans from Stockport who travel home and away to matches in a rusting 1992 Renault Espace, which goes by the name of Helios.
Directed by Bafta award winner Stewart Sugg, the film details City’s first full season following Sheikh Mansour’s £210m takeover of the club.
Sugg uses player interviews with stars such as Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Gareth Barry combined with match action to capture City’s transformation from also-rans to potential title contenders.
City’s Commercial Director, David Pullan, said: “Blue Moon Rising reinforces Manchester City’s standing as the most fascinating story in the world of football.
“It will be a lasting testimony to one of the most exciting years in Manchester City’s history.”
The film focuses on the £100m City spent buying new players last season, the sacking of manager Mark Hughes, and the subsequent appointment of Roberto Mancini.
A few Manchester City fans were lucky enough to win tickets for the first screening of Blue Moon Rising and watch it with their idols.
City fan Greg Baker said: “Tonight’s been amazing. I thought the film was great. Last season had so many ups and downs, so it made the perfect film script.”
He jokingly added: “I just wish they’d left out those last minute defeats to United.”
Blue Moon Rising will be showing in selected North West cinemas for the next two weeks.
Buena Vista International are also considering screening the documentary in cinemas worldwide, so if a blue moon does rise over Hollywood, Helios maybe pulling up to a few premieres stateside.
