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Dir. Michael Skolnik
Rating: 6.5 | 0 User Reviews | Send to Friend
The Kingdom of Swaziland sits in an incubator of political, social and economic tension. As the last African country to survive its absolute monarchy into the 21st century, it has been able to preserve its culture in a way many of its continental neighbors have not. Even so, its constant grip on wearied traditions is arguably causing many to grow hostile attitudes towards government. Its citizens suffer from staggering poverty and an HIV/AIDS rate that standing at nearly 43 percent, is the highest in the world. No wonder, then, that groups of discontented citizens would plan to take matters into their own hands if the king, Mswati III, does not address these issues quickly. Director Michael Skolnik’s powerful documentary of King Mswati III and his kingdom interweaves images of the King’s lavish life of palaces, private jets and multiple wives with tours of the Swaziland slums where people eat discarded animal intestines and drink water from little more than puddles. It seems the Swazi people are not only hungry and thirsty for food and water, but for a government that represents their interests. Skolnik effectively highlights this struggle between pro-democracy supporters and the monarchy, but regrettably, touches only slightly on any governmental activity regarding the scuffle between the two sides. Clearly there are problems, but solutions are rarely discussed except for the rebels’ clear intent on igniting a coup to remove the King as head of state. Throughout the film, the King spends most of his time defending the monarchy and insisting he does have the people’s best interest at heart, but where that interest is fueled is barely revealed. If anything, hints regarding the type of country Swaziland should become is suggested by the rapper princess Sikahnyiso, the oldest of the King’s 17 children. At first in full support of her father’s policies and methods, Pashu (as they call her) begins to form her own ideas about what her country needs as she finds her independence and royal identity.
Special features include extra interviews, bonus scenes, a music video called “Rapping with the Princess,” and original theatrical trailer.
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