Without the King

A FILM BY Michael Skolnik

A fascinating documentary about a little-known African tyrant
- V.A. Musetto, The New York Post
Stunning and frequently shocking.
- Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

Synopsis

Swaziland is Africa's last absolute monarchy and a nation at a dangerous crossroads. The people demand democracy and an end to starvation, while the king insists on banning political parties. The people want relief from a 43 per cent AIDS/HIV infection rate, the world's highest, while the king prices a fleet of luxury limousines. Against this backdrop of blatant inequality, we meet the royal family: Princess Sikhanyiso, a teenage rapper and eldest child; Queen LaMbikiza, a headstrong outsider and first of 12 wives; and King Mswati III, a distant figure out of touch with his home and country. The camera captures the birth of a nation's revolution, a struggle to reconcile First and Third World orders.

Theatrical Release Date

Original Languages: English
Genre: Documentary, World Cinema
Running Time: 83 min.
Year: 2007

Credits

DIRECTED BY
Michael Skolnik

PHOTOS

A fire-bomber
AIDS ward in a hospital
King Mswati III and his daughter, Princess Sikhanyiso
King Mswati III, inspecting the honor guard
Swaziland slum