Daniel Kaluuya Premieres His Feature Directorial Debut “The Kitchen” at BFI London Film Festival Closing Night
Daniel Kaluuya, known for his roles in “Get Out” and “Black Panther,” brought the world premiere of his feature directorial debut, “The Kitchen,” to a prominent spotlight at the BFI London Film Festival’s closing night. Kaluuya, who served as co-director, co-writer, and producer for this new movie set in 2044 London, expressed his gratitude for the journey and the lessons he learned along the way.
For the London-born star, the premiere held a special significance as he wanted the London audience to feel seen and to enjoy themselves. He emphasized that while it’s a movie premiere, it’s also an opportunity for people to relax, enjoy the moment, and be present.
“The Kitchen” is set in a dystopian London where the wealth gap has reached extreme levels, and social housing has been eliminated. However, a community known as the Kitchen refuses to leave their home. Co-director Kibwe Tavares, also a Londoner, explained that it was natural for them to choose their home city as the film’s setting. They aimed to create a story that resonates with people from their hometown.
The 1-hour-44-minute film is set to release on Netflix and features newcomer Jedaiah Bannerman in the role of 12-year-old Benji. Other cast members include rapper and actor Demmy Ladipo.
For the cast and crew, premiering “The Kitchen” in London was essential. They view the film as a love letter to the city, with London itself becoming a character in the story. The film emphasizes the importance of community, making it particularly meaningful to showcase in the place it belongs.
Actors involved in the project praised Daniel Kaluuya’s involvement, with Jedaiah Bannerman describing him as a genius. Footballer Ian Wright, who took on his first acting role in the film, appreciated the opportunity to work with Kaluuya and gain insights into the art of acting.
“The Kitchen” was selected to close the 67th BFI London Film Festival, underscoring its cultural significance in the UK film industry.
The British Film Institute (BFI), the festival’s organizer, is a cultural charity and a National Lottery distributor, serving as the UK’s lead organization for film and the moving image.
