Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce
RENAISSANCE: A Film by Beyonce” showcases the entire trajectory of the RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR, tracing its beginnings, the inaugural show in Stockholm, Sweden, and culminating in Kansas City, Missouri. The film highlights Beyoncé’s dedication, her hands-on approach in every facet of production, and her artistic vision and determination to forge a lasting legacy and hone her artistry. Garnering widespread acclaim, the RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR became a haven of liberty and collective happiness, captivating over 2.7 million fans.
This article focuses on the concert documentary. For information on the concert tour itself, refer to the Renaissance World Tour.
“Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” is a 2023 American documentary concert film featuring Beyoncé, set for distribution by AMC Theatres with its premiere slated for December 1, 2023. The film aims to blend various elements: the creative process behind Beyoncé’s seventh studio album, ‘Renaissance’ (2022), the album’s accompanying visual elements, and footage from both the Renaissance World Tour and its preparation stages.
The announcement of the film was made through a trailer unveiled at the conclusion of the final Renaissance World Tour performance at Arrowhead Stadium. This trailer was first shown to the concert audience and subsequently released online.
Background
Beyoncé’s seventh studio album, ‘Renaissance’, released on July 29, 2022, achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. Unlike her previous albums B’Day (2006), Beyoncé (2013), Lemonade (2016), and The Lion King: The Gift (2019), which were accompanied by visual components, ‘Renaissance’ initially did not include a visual album or musical film.
On August 9, 2022, Beyoncé dropped a teaser for the opening track of ‘Renaissance’, “I’m That Girl”. The teaser, showcasing over twenty outfits in a rapid montage, was widely interpreted as hinting at upcoming music videos for each track on the album. The Renaissance World Tour was then announced by Beyoncé on Instagram on February 1, 2023. This all-stadium tour kicked off in Stockholm, Sweden, on May 10, 2023, and wrapped up in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 1, 2023.
Variety reported on September 30, 2023, that Beyoncé is set to release a concert film in partnership with AMC Theatres, following a model similar to Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ (2023). The film, which sparked a bidding war among major film studios and streaming platforms, will see Beyoncé earning over 50% of box office gross, mirroring the unique deal structure initially used by AMC and Taylor Swift. Sources indicate that the film will be ambitiously scoped, combining tour highlights, the visual album of ‘Renaissance’, and documentary footage detailing the development of both the album and the tour.
Release
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” is scheduled for release on December 1, 2023, coinciding with World AIDS Day. This release date is significant as the album ‘Renaissance’ is a tribute to Beyoncé’s “Uncle” Johnny, who played a pivotal role in introducing her to black dance music and ball culture and sadly passed away during the AIDS epidemic.
The film’s debut covers the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with additional international availability announced on October 26. Ticket sales for regions outside the US commenced on November 9 via the film’s official website. The film is set for a minimum four-weekend screening. It will be showcased in IMAX and Dolby Cinema, along with other premium large-format theaters. The U.S. premiere took place in Los Angeles on November 25, 2023, while a global premiere is planned in London for November 30, 2023.
Reception
Deadline Hollywood has reported that the first-day presale tickets for “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” are estimated to have generated around US$6-7 million. Uproxx noted that some eager fans experienced virtual queues while trying to purchase tickets.
Following the announcement of the film, stocks of AMC, IMAX, and Cinemark Theatres saw an uptick. CNBC’s Sarah Whitten commented that “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” is expected to provide a significant boost to the movie industry, which is still rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact. Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at BoxOffice.com, suggested that Beyoncé’s film could revitalize the traditionally slow period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, potentially reshaping the industry’s approach to these historically quieter times.
