He was first in line to the throne of Bechuanaland (now Botswana); she was a white Englishwoman working in an office. A United Kingdom tells the love story of Seretse Khama, who would go on to become the first President of an independent Botswana, and Ruth Williams, his future First Lady. Starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike as the central pair, the thoughtful and timely period piece (which premiered at the London Film Festival last month) is already garnering pre-awards season buzz.
Before the film arrives in cinemas later this month, here’s your cheat sheet – and an exclusive clip from the film…
It’s based on a controversial real life romance
Back in 1947, the love affair and subsequent marriage of Seretse Khama, first in line to the throne of what is now Botswana, and London office worker Ruth Williams was a source of much contention, ultimately escalating into political crisis. The match was challenged not only by the families of both, but by the governments of Britain and South Africa. After the introduction of apartheid, the prospect of an inter-racial couple ruling over a neighbouring country was anathema to the South African government.
In the exclusive clip below, a very different – but no less troubling – pressure is in evidence, as Ruth is introduced to Seretse’s family for the first time. Met with a chilly reception from her new in-laws, she is reminded that her marriage will make her an outcast on two fronts.
David Oyelowo spent years trying to get the film made
Working on the film 96 Minutes back in 2010, Oyelowo learned that his producers Justin Moore-Lewy and Charlie Mason had bought the rights to Colour Bar, a book by Susan Williams which told the story of Khama and William (no relation). After years of set-backs, the actor managed to assemble a team including director Amma Asante: a former child actress herself, she had worked with Oyelowo on her TV show Brothers and Sisters in the ‘90s. Finally, his Jack Reacher co-star Rosamund Pike came on board as Ruth: her first major role since her Oscar-nominated turn as Amy Dunne in David Fincher's adaptation of Gone Girl.
Amma Asante's films deal with questions of race and identity
The BAFTA-winning filmmaker (and Grazia Collective member) first earned critical acclaim for A Way Of Life, which deals with bigotry in South Wales. 2014's Belle then turned the British period drama on its head to tell the story of the mixed race daughter of an African slave and a British admiral. Her next project will be Where Hands Touch, a coming-of-age story set in 1940s Berlin, which will star The Hunger Games' Amandla Stenberg as a mixed-raced German teen who strikes up a friendship with a member of the Hitler Youth (played by George MacKay).
There’s a (tenuous) Harry Potter connection
Best known as peroxide-haired villain Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, A United Kingdom sees Tom Felton in an equally unpleasant role: that of a sneering minor civil servant keen to uphold the Empire at any cost. And if you’re a fan of that other British institution, Downton Abbey, who’ll also spot Laura Carmichael (who will forever be Lady Edith in our hearts) as Ruth’s sister, Muriel.
Many of the film’s locations are complete authentic
It was non-negotiable for the production team that A United Kingdom would be filmed where the story actually happened, in Botswana (despite the difficulties that might entail). Shooting eventually took place in the towns of Serowe and Palpaye – including the hospital where Ruth gave birth to her children, and the couple’s first Botswanan residence. Back in London, scenes were filmed on location in the Houses of Parliament and at the Royal Naval College.
Watch the trailer for A United Kingdom below
A United Kingdom is released in cinemas on 25th November 2016