Democracy Manifest: Brisbane icon’s tasty tale served up in new documentary

The man who shot to infamy when video of his arrest in Fortitude Valley over a “succulent Chinese meal” went global is set to have his life story told in a new documentary.

Brisbane’s legendary “Democracy Manifest” man, Jack Karlson, is set to have his fascinating life story told in a new documentary.

Announced on Wednesday by Kicking Television Productions, The Man Who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal promises to uncover the true story behind the viral sensation.

On October 11, 1991, Karlson was dramatically arrested by Queensland Police at The China Sea restaurant in Fortitude Valley, when he claims he was mistaken for an alleged credit card fraudster.

His theatrical outburst, captured on camera by Channel 7, included unforgettable lines like “This is democracy manifest!” and “What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?”.

These phrases have since cemented Karlson’s place in Australian pop culture.

Directed by Heath Davis and produced by Tim Randall, the documentary will explore Karlson’s enigmatic life before and after the arrest.

Both filmmakers were captivated by the viral video and sought to uncover the man behind the meme.

A still from Seven News showing the arrest of Jack Karlson.

“Ever since I first saw the video I’ve just had a fascination with it,” Randall said.

“It never made any sense to me. I assumed he was a British Theatre actor who just had too many drinks and wouldn’t leave.

“Then to find out he was actually out there living in rural Queensland I just knew there would be more to his story.”

Initially aiming for a comedic tone, the filmmakers discovered a deeper narrative filled with unexpected twists.

“We started out filming a comedy but what’s quickly becoming apparent is this is a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions,” Davis said.

“People are going to be blown away. One thing is for sure: there will be plenty of laughs and tears.”

To celebrate the film’s announcement, Karlson visited The China Sea restaurant at its new Milton location on Wednesday.

Reflecting on the events of that fateful day in 1991, Karlson claimed it all ended for the best when police realised it was a case of mistaken identity.

“Well, I wasn’t put in jail; they realised that I wasn’t the person they were looking for,” he told reporters.

The Man Who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal is slated for release in March, 2025.

Originally published as Democracy Manifest: Brisbane icon’s tasty tale served up in new documentary