Rabbit Hole Distillery is expanding its presence in the film industry through a new partnership with actor and producer Jay Ellis, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Insecure. The collaboration includes a filmmaker contest and a limited-edition bourbon release.
The Kentucky-based distillery, which serves as the Official Bourbon of the Sundance Film Festival, has launched The Creative Spirit Challenge with Ellis. The contest invites emerging filmmakers to submit short videos showcasing their creative vision and storytelling ambitions.
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The Creative Spirit Challenge
Ellis, who founded the production company Black Bar Mitzvah, will provide a one-on-one mentoring session to the grand prize winner, who will also receive a Canon EOS R5 C camera. Three runners-up will be awarded Canon cameras to support their filmmaking journeys.
“Something very important to me, and the reason I launched my production company Black Bar Mitzvah, is to help aspiring filmmakers and creatives tell their stories,” Ellis said. “Partnering with Rabbit Hole and The Creative Spirit Challenge is an exciting opportunity to inspire and empower the next generation of filmmakers to chase their dreams and elevate their craft. I can’t wait to see the incredible talent and stories that will emerge from this initiative.”
Aspiring filmmakers can find contest rules and submit their entries at RabbitHoleDistillery.com/creativespiritchallenge.
Rabbit Hole Limited Edition
The collaboration extends beyond the contest, with plans for a limited-edition whiskey release this spring. The special bourbon will be available exclusively at Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.
Kaveh Zamanian, Rabbit Hole Founder and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Whiskey Maker, emphasized the alignment between Ellis’s creative vision and the distillery’s approach to whiskey-making.
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“At Rabbit Hole, innovation and creativity are at the heart of everything we do,” said Kaveh Zamanian, Rabbit Hole Founder and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Whiskey Maker. “Jay Ellis embodies the bold vision and artistry we admire in film, just as we strive to craft each bottle with unparalleled originality and excellence. Together, this partnership will inspire creativity, nurture emerging talent, and push the boundaries of artistry in both whiskey and film.”
Rabbit Hole & The Film Industry
This partnership marks another milestone in Rabbit Hole’s commitment to supporting independent voices in film. The distillery has been actively involved in the film community through its role as the Official Bourbon of the Sundance Film Festival, where it has helped showcase emerging talent and innovative storytelling.
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