Without the King
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Michael Skolnik
King Mswat
Princess Sikhanyiso
James Adolphus
Evan Benjamin
Mark Kilian
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
The tiny country of Swaziland is the last absolute monarchy on the African continent. Its leader, King Mswati III, faces huge challenges as he fights to save his people from starvation and the worst AIDS crisis in the world. At a startling 31 years, Swaziland has the lowest life expectancy in the world. It is these problems that have given birth to an underground revolutionary movement intent on bringing democracy to the country. The Royals' lead a lavish lifestyle, replete with palaces for each of the King's fourteen wives, a fleet of expensive cars, designer wardrobes, and schooling abroad for his 22 children, while the majority of the people live in poverty. A group of young "freedom fighters" attempt to remove the King from power and form a constitutional monarchy. Their anger results in protest rallies and violent clashes with the police. When the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is 42.6%, the highest in the world, hope for survival begins to be questioned. At the center of all these worlds is the King's eldest daughter, Princess Sikhanyiso. Between her first year of college in California and her duties in Swaziland, the Princess begins to truly see what's going on in her country. When she returns home to attend the annual Reed Dance, where over 75,000 bare-chested virgins dance in front of the King, hoping to become his next wife, the Princess begins to question the role of the monarchy. As her father becomes more oblivious to the dire situation plaguing the country, her concern about a possible revolution becomes heightened. She is left with some tough decisions; what will become of her country and what will she do about it.
Director
Michael Skolnik
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Miscellaneous Notes
Winner of the Special Jury Prize for International Feature Documentary at the 2007 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival.
Released in United States April 2007
Released in United States June 20, 2008
Released in United States on Video July 22, 2008
Released in United States Spring April 25, 2008
Shown at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival (International Spectrum) April 19-29, 2007.
Released in United States April 2007 (Shown at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival (International Spectrum) April 19-29, 2007.)
Released in United States Spring April 25, 2008 (NY)
Released in United States June 20, 2008 (Los Angeles)
Released in United States on Video July 22, 2008
