Directors, producers, actors, critics, film lovers and more crowded the sidewalk outside of the Apollo Cinema for the sold out opening night film of the 17th Raindance Film Festival, ‘Humpday’. An electric buzz filled the air with feelings of anticipation and excitement as the 12 day festival opened its doors to the public.

As we sat in the theatre in our luxurious maroon suede seats with popcorn, wine, and M&M’s, the countdown to the film fast approached. Just as the lights started to dim, Raindance founder Elliot Grove entered welcoming audiences to the festival followed by the director herself, Lynn Shelton. Little did we know that we would soon see Lynn again—as an actress in the film!

With the lights down and the chatter ended, the film began. For 94 minutes, the audience entered the world of old college buddies—domesticated, married man Ben and unsettled, party boy Andrew—filled with laughs, awkward situations, and authentic human emotion. As the film came to a conclusion, the Raindance festivities certainly did not.

The crowds migrated to the after party at the Cuban bar in the heart of London, Floridita. Cocktails, music, dancing, and conversation concluded the night flawlessly. The opening night, all-in-all, set quite the mood for the festival.

The parties, crowds, music and screenings will continue on for 11 days… you’ll have time to sleep later.