Before the crowd arrives. Photo by Chloe

What We Do in the Shadows touched the British soil on 20th August. It had its premiere on the closing night of Film4 Summer Screen Film Festival at Somerset House in London.

I was lucky enough to get my tickets before they were sold out three days after their release in May. A few weeks later, Somerset House announced ‘Behind the Screen: Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement in Conversation’ event and naturally I couldn’t miss that either. It took place in a small, intimate Screening Room two hours before the premiere and a complimentary drink was included in the ticket price. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a bottle of Tuatara’s Delicious Neck, my only disappointment of the evening.

After the talk, we had about 10 minutes to have a quick chat with the filmmakers, take some photos, give them posters to sign etc. For me, it was an opportunity to finally meet Taika in person. No disappointment here whatsoever.

Photo by Chloe

The courtyard was getting full and the sun had already set when we left the building. I like how I’m the Geek reviewer described the atmosphere of that hour,

Sat outside in the twilight, the mystical shapes of the spotlights allowing the haunting architecture to illuminate and allude. There is a chill in the air as the summer winds down, bringing the warming glow of the sun into a brisk breeze that freezes the bones of those unprepared. Gathered, nay, huddled in the open space of Somerset House, film fans delight with picnics, booze and good company. There are sleeping bags, cushions and more important, friends, all ready to take a bite out of Film 4’s Summer Screening and UK Première of New Zealand’s spoof What We Do In The Shadows. And the film does not disappoint. (continue reading the review)

Photo by Rebecca Clarke

It was quite an amazing night. The film was screened to the largest audience (about 2,000 people) so far and first time outdoors. Imagine all of them lying on the ground laughing for about 2 hours (including the introduction and Q&A after). That’s what happened.

Jemaine and Taika introduced the film,

Post-screening Q&A (sorry about the shaky camera, but some people were already getting up),

Don’t be too sad, if you missed that. What We Do In The Shadows hits UK cinemas on November 21st and you should definitely go and bring your friends and flatmates with you!

Taika and Jemaine in front of WWDitS poster commisioned by Steven Wilson for the Summer Screen Prints Film Poster Exhibition. Photo by Print Club London