EnglishConvention - Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2025: The Cool Runnings Legacy with Rawle D. Lewis & Doug E. Doug
By Mulder, Villepinte, Parc des Expositions, 16 march 2025
The Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2025 once again delivered an unforgettable weekend, with one of its standout moments being the Cool Runnings conference featuring Rawle D. Lewis and Doug E. Doug. Held at the Villepinte Exhibition Center on March 16, 2025, this special event transported fans back to the inspiring and humorous world of the 1993 cult classic. The two actors, who played Junior Bevil and Sanka Coffie, took the stage to share their memories from the film, reflecting on its enduring legacy and the impact it has had on generations of viewers.
For over three decades, Cool Runnings has continued to inspire audiences with its uplifting story of perseverance against the odds. The film, directed by Jon Turteltaub, follows the real-life journey of the first Jamaican bobsleigh team competing in the Winter Olympics—a seemingly impossible feat for a team from a tropical country. The movie’s mix of humor, determination, and underdog spirit made it a beloved favorite, and the enthusiasm in the room at Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show proved that its magic remains alive to this day.
During the panel, Rawle D. Lewis and Doug E. Doug shared behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the film, including working with the late John Candy, who played their tough but lovable coach. They reminisced about the challenges of filming, the camaraderie among the cast, and how they never expected the movie to become such a long-lasting success. Fans eagerly listened as the actors spoke about the film’s positive message and its surprising global reach, with people from all over the world still quoting lines like Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it’s bobsleigh time!
More than just a nostalgic trip, the discussion also highlighted the cultural significance of Cool Runnings. The story of the Jamaican bobsleigh team remains a powerful example of resilience, breaking stereotypes, and achieving the impossible. The actors spoke about how the real-life athletes overcame skepticism and logistical barriers to compete at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, showing the world that talent and determination matter more than background or resources.
The Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2025 once again proved why it is one of the most anticipated pop culture conventions in France. Across the two-day event on March 15-16, 2025, thousands of attendees flocked to the Villepinte Exhibition Center to celebrate their favorite franchises, meet industry professionals, and immerse themselves in a universe of films, series, anime, and gaming. The show featured a stellar lineup of panels, cosplay competitions, exclusive merchandise, and celebrity appearances, making it a paradise for pop culture enthusiasts.
Fans who attended the Cool Runnings panel left with a renewed appreciation for the film’s message and its place in cinematic history. Whether longtime admirers who had watched the movie in the 90s or younger viewers discovering it for the first time, the audience shared a collective sense of joy and nostalgia. As the convention came to a close, the words of Cool Runnings echoed in the hearts of fans: Peace be the journey.
Synopsis :
The true story of four Jamaicans who have a crazy dream: to win a gold medal in an Olympic discipline that is totally unknown to them and impossible to practice at home: bobsleigh!
Cool Runnings
Directed by Jon Turteltaub
Written by Lynn Siefert, Tommy Swerdlown, Michael Goldberg
Story by Lynn Siefert, Michael Ritchie
Produced by Dawn Steel, Chris Meledandri
Starring Leon, Doug E. Dougn, Rawle D. Lewis, Malik Yoba, John Candy
Cinematography : Phedon Papamichael
Edited by Bruce Green
Music by Hans Zimmer
Production company : Walt Disney Pictures
Distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Release date : October 1, 1993 (United States), Aporil 13, 1994 (France)
Running time : 98 minutes
Dates and times:
Saturday, March 15, 2025: from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 16, 2025: from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Prices: 1-day ticket: €20, 2-day ticket: €35
2-day VIP ticket: €100 (including benefits such as reserved seats at the conference, changing rooms, early entry and skip-the-line access for autograph sessions)
Premium VIP ticket: €150 (including the benefits of the standard VIP ticket, plus a gift bag and additional queue jump privileges)
Admission is free for children under 6 years of age.
Discover our selection of photos on our Flickr page
Photos and video: Boris Colletier / Mulderville