Being invited to a private screening of Deadpool and Wolverine was not something I expected to happen as part of my 2024. But there I was walking into Paradise Cinema, with my PNGFM ID card dangling in front of my chest. I was regrettably half an hour late. The entrance felt slow as I casually looked around before being directed to where the party was. Before confirming my arrival, I was given a goodie bag. There was a buzz of excitement all around as employees from various organizations, Coke Studio artists, social media influencers and other media companies gathered around the cinema’s entrance anticipating the main event. The lounge outside had transformed into a mini-Coca-Cola haven fill with red deco. Present from The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) was Roseanne Naulumatua – PNG Franchise Operations Manager and Rachel Nainggolan – Snr Brand Manager. From Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) were Gabriel Manoi – Head of Brand & Channel (CCEP PNG) and Tim Solly – Sales & Commercial Director (CCEP PNG). Those who spoke opened the night with brief remarks, very delighted at the event turnout. I for one could barely concentrate on words being spoken as I was taking in so much; trying to read the atmosphere around me. I stood in a very disadvantageous position among the crowd as people hid me from view – whenever I tried to take pictures, the shots were rather unflattering. However, my mood was instantly lifted when I received several cans of free Coca-Cola. The workers put in the effort to make attendees smile no matter if they were patiently distributing coke, or promoting fun games to play, it was a good balance of professional and informal. The experience was simultaneously overwhelming yet exciting, almost as if I absorbed so much energy from people around me. From the moment I entered the cinema to when it gradually emptied as the end credits rolled. No doubt most enjoyed the film as I overheard watchers recollecting their favorite parts of the film and reflecting on the previous instalments of the franchise. Every event goer’s experience was different, but one thing I had absolutely no doubt was that there was no one devoid of some emotion by the time the screening ended. Perhaps it was the fact that deep down everyone was simply there to enjoy watching Deadpool & Wolverine. As Mr. Tim Solly said, “We are here to watch a movie…we are here to launch the connection and partnership between Coca-Cola and Marvel”. Movies, popcorn and coke seemed to be the magic meal of togetherness in cinemas, and this event just happened to hit the jackpot.