McQueen – The Man & Le Mans

The upcoming full-length cinema documentary, McQueen, the Man & Le Mans received its worldwide Premiere on Saturday, 16th May at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

“When you’re racing, it’s life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting” – Steve McQueen

The film was shown as part of the Cannes Classics section and the audience included the late star’s son Chad McQueen who declared the new film “authentic”.

Speaking at the post-premiere party, backed by TAG Heuer, Steve’s son, who survived a life threatening racing accident at Daytona International Speedway nine years ago said, “The film has come out well, it really captured the essence of what my father was trying to achieve with the Le Mans movie. I want to thank the two Directors Gabriele Clarke and John McKenna for doing such a great job.”

Also attending the Premiere and party was former Grand Prix winner and current Porsche World Endurance Championship star, Mark Webber, who will be chasing a win at Le Mans in three weeks’ time. Alongside the Australian was rising New Zealand racing standout Mitch Evans, the former GP3 Champion, who will make his Le Mans debut this year.

Webber added, “The film really told me about the icon that was Steve McQueen.  In the film he raced Porsche No 20 and last year in the WEC I raced for Porsche with the same number.  It wasn’t lucky for Steve or me, so this year I will be in No 17 hoping to give Porsche their 17th outright win in this great race.”

The post-Premiere party on Cannes’ fabled La Croisette was also attended by media, film executives and members of the production team. They had the chance to admire the Original Monaco watch on Chad’s wrist as well as the latest version which was on display.  Steve McQueen famously wore a Heuer Monaco throughout the filming of the classic 1971 movie, now reprised by this new film, which will be shown in cinemas around the world towards the end of this year.

For more info about the Documentary and to stay up to date please visit : http://www.themanlemans.com/

(Photo Credit – Andrew Marriott) Image shows Chad McQueen (left) chatting to Mark Webber at the Cannes Film Festival.

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