The much-anticipated feature directorial debut of Daniel Kaluuya, co-directed alongside Kibwe Tavares, is gearing up for its world premiere at the 2023 BFI London Film Festival. Titled “The Kitchen,” the Netflix dystopian thriller is set to close the festival on October 15, marking a significant moment for one of the U.K.’s prominent talents.
Starring Kane Robinson, Jedaiah Bannerman, Hope Ikpoku Jr, Teija Kabs, Demmy Ladipo, Cristale, and BackRoad Gee, the film is set in a dystopian version of London where the wealth gap has reached extreme proportions. Social housing is a thing of the past, with only The Kitchen, a steadfast community determined to remain in their homes, resisting the changes. At the heart of the story are Izi (played by Robinson), who lives in The Kitchen out of necessity and is struggling to escape, and 12-year-old Benji (portrayed by Bannerman), who is searching for a family in the midst of turmoil.
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Kaluuya and Tavares, both making their feature directorial debuts, co-wrote the film alongside Murtagh. The creators shared their excitement about the film’s premiere, emphasizing its deep connection to London as a city. Tavares and Kaluuya expressed their honor at debuting the film in their hometown and highlighted the film’s journey from a workshop in a local barbershop to the big screen. They also praised the cast and crew, particularly lead actors Kane Robinson and Jedaiah Bannerman, for their contributions in bringing the story to life.
Describing “The Kitchen” as a fresh, thoughtful, and cinematic work, the co-directors revealed that the film serves as both an allegory and homage to communities like The Kitchen found in cities around the world. With its distinct premise and socially relevant themes, the film promises to captivate audiences while offering a thought-provoking exploration of societal disparities.
As the BFI London Film Festival’s closing night feature, “The Kitchen” is poised to be a highlight of the event, drawing attention not only for its world premiere status but also for the collaboration and creative vision of its directors. Fans of Kaluuya and cinema enthusiasts can anticipate an engaging and evocative viewing experience that sheds light on contemporary societal issues through a captivating dystopian lens.