On Sunday 13 December 2015, Suresh Joachim set a new world record as certified by Guinness World Records for the longest concurrent time spent watching movies. He broke the previous record of 120 hours 23 minutes by more than 1 hour to set a new world record of 121 hour 18 minutes. All the movies were streamed via Telkom’s Boltspeed fibre.
“This is the first time the record for the most time spent consecutively watching movies has been attempted via streaming. Telkom is excited to be able to enable this record attempt while demonstrating the speed and reliability of our fibre technology,” said Jacqui O’Sullivan, Managing Executive for Group Communication and Public Relations at Telkom.
“I’m very excited to be able to set a new Guinness World Record for this event, especially as it is my first title in Africa,” said Joachim.
Joachim’s new record supersedes that set by Ashish Sharma in India, who watched for 120 hours 23 minutes. Sharma watched 48 movies in their entirety for his attempt.
Joachim has set numerous records for various feats, including the longest ten pin bowling marathon at 100 hours, and travelled to South Africa especially to take part in the marathon. The event was physically gruelling, as participants were allowed only a ten minute break between movies (which must be at least 90 minutes) in which to rest, sleep or visit the bathroom. During the movie, they are not allowed to glance away from the screen for more than a few seconds at a time.
Ten local South Africans, backed by listeners of 94.7, also took part in the marathon. Sheetal Vallabh was the last South African contestant to be disqualified when she fell asleep for 24 seconds with 82 hours 18 minutes on her clock on Saturday morning.
“I’m so honoured to be a part of this extraordinary event hosted by Telkom. I’ve learnt so much from this experience, made some great friends and would love to do this again sometime,” said, Sheetal.
The Telkom Unlimited Movie Marathon took place at the Sheds in downtown Johannesburg in aid of LifeLine, the official charity. R10 000 was handed over to LifeLine on Sunday evening.
The contestants were:
- Suresh Joachim (Canada)
- Sheetal Vallabh (South Africa)
- David Erasmus (South Africa)
- Tibor Donatus Kurucz (South Africa)
- Louis Marx (South Africa)
- Tiberius TJo (South Africa)
- Delon Munian (South Africa)
- Aqeel Dockrat (South Africa)
- Buhlebethu Hlatshwayo (South Africa)
- Lionel Havenga (South Africa)
- Clarissa Schoeman (South Africa)
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