Daniel Kaluuya presents his first film in London « The Kitchen »
British actor Daniel Kaluuya was on the red carpet at the London Film Festival along with co-director Kibwe Tavares, producer Daniel Emmerson and several of the film’s actors, including star Kane Robinson and newcomer Jedaiah Bannerman.
The film takes place in a dystopian London where all social housing has been banned. The film follows the residents of a community called The Kitchen, who refuse to move.
Mr. Tavares said the story came about «because we wanted to talk about our hometown»
The actors of the film came on the carpet to support the film and Kaluuya, who said: «I want them to relax, enjoy this moment and be present»
All the actors agree that Kaluuya, who co-wrote and co-directed the film, was one of the factors that motivated them to accept the project.
Newcomer Jedaiah Bannerman, who plays Benji, a 12-year-old boy who lost his mother and is looking for a family, said, «He is an extraordinary man. He’s a genius. He and Kib are genius like that, for the things they see. I don’t know how they do it.
Bannerman added about his efforts: «I was obviously emotional. I lost someone close to me, so I used that emotion and lived it with Benji. See how Benji felt being neglected»
Actor Hope Ikpoku Jnr echoed this sentiment by saying: «I read the script, I saw that DK was involved and I am a big fan of DK, so everything DK is involved in, if I can have a chance to participate, I did»
Footballer Ian Wright, who accepted his first acting role for The Kitchen, said: «(Kaluuya) tried to put me in a state of mind where I can understand the emotion of what is needed at that moment, which really opened my eyes and was a beautiful journey for me to do something so different from what I’m used to doing. And I can because I totally respect the art of the actor, you know, while Daniel gives me a little taste, it was really, it’s very moving for me. I really loved it»
Demmy Ladipo, who is also part of the cast, said, «This is literally incredible. It’s so crazy, because the thing is, you’re playing and you have Daniel Kaluuya in your ear giving you the best advice you’ve ever heard. It’s surreal, honestly. That’s what we dream of as an actor»
He added about the BFI festival premiere: «This is where the premiere should be. For me, it is. This is where it should be. It’s largely a love letter to London. And I feel that London is also a character in the film. So, you know, it’s, it’s so important that it’s here. It’s so important because it’s about the community and us».
