Beyoncé tells fans (and Taylor Swift) to 'laugh and dance' at Renaissance premiere

Beyoncé encouraged her fans to "dance, sing, laugh, and cry" as they witnessed the London premiere of her Renaissance tour film. Wearing a white suit, the star briefly appeared before the three-hour documentary, urging the audience to "feel free to feel."

Beyoncé's Renaissance tour is the second major concert film to hit cinemas this year

Taylor Swift, whose own concert movie set box office records earlier in the year, was also present at the event. Beyoncé's daughter, Blue Ivy, was in attendance as well. Notable guests included Destiny's Child star Michelle Williams, musician will.i.am, Vogue's former editor Edward Enniful, and actress Vivica A Fox, all adhering to the dress code of "opulent formal attire."

Taylor Swift walks carpet at Beyonce film premiere

Swift's appearance followed Beyoncé's attendance at the Hollywood concert premiere for her Eras Tour on October 11. Swift, adorned in a sparkling silver Balmain gown, took photos with fans, in contrast to Beyoncé, who briefly stopped on the red carpet with Blue Ivy before changing outfits to introduce the film.

Following the premiere, Beyoncé surprised fans by releasing a new single titled "My House" to commemorate the opening of the movie.

Beyoncé posted photos from the red carpet to her official website

Filmed in 10 different countries, the documentary captures both on and off-stage moments from what ultimately became the highest-grossing tour ever by a black artist and the eighth-highest-grossing tour of all time.

In addition to performances of hits like Crazy In Love, Cuff It, and Drunk In Love, viewers are given insight into Beyoncé's creative struggles, the impact of knee surgery, and how her daughter losing a tooth took precedence over any on-stage occurrence.

The film includes footage from every tour date, seamlessly transitioning between different performances of the same song. This approach allows Beyoncé to showcase numerous costume changes and capture spontaneous moments (and occasional mistakes) in the intricately choreographed concert.

Equally captivating is the behind-the-scenes footage, providing a glimpse into the world backstage.

Particularly poignant is a segment dedicated to her uncle Johnny, a black, gay man who designed Beyoncé's inaugural stage costumes. His love for house music influenced the disco grooves of the Renaissance album and tour.

Beyonce at the premiere for ‘Renaissance’ in LA. #RenaissanceFilm pic.twitter.com/RDTcvbbmO8

— RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR (@RenaissanceWT) November 26, 2023

"Wherever he went, it became better," recalls Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles, in the film. "He helped me raise my kids and they loved and adored him. He was a lifesaver."

Uncle Johnny, whose real name is Jonathan Williams, passed away at the beginning of Beyoncé's career due to an Aids-related illness. However, his influence on Beyoncé's embrace of gay and ballroom culture on the Renaissance album is evident.

As fans at the album tour hold up signs declaring, "Uncle Johnny would be proud," Beyoncé expresses her sentiments to her mother in one scene, saying, "I just wish he could see this." Tina responds, "You know he's looking."

During the London premiere, Beyoncé dedicated the film to Uncle Johnny's memory, stating, "I'm really proud this film is coming out on December 1st, World Aids Day, in honour of Uncle Johnny." The audience, many of whom had been involved in the tour, responded with a resounding applause.

The film, screened at London's Leicester Square Odeon ahead of its general release, offered various other highlights that captivated the audience.