BFI London Film Festival: True story of forbidden love starring Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo will be opener

A United Kingdom tells the true story of London office worker Ruth Williams, who married Seretse Khama, King of Bechuanaland in 1947 despite fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments
Race and romance: Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo in A United Kingdom
Rashid Razaq21 June 2016

A love story about an interracial romance between a British woman and an African king starring Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo will open this year’s BFI London Film Festival, it was announced today.

A United Kingdom, directed by Amma Asante, tells the true story of London office worker Ruth Williams, who married Seretse Khama, King of Bechuanaland — later Botswana — in 1947 despite fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments.

The film, partially shot in the capital, will be the opening gala film for the 60th LFF which runs from October 5 to 16. Asante said: “It’s a great privilege. The festival means a lot to me, having showcased my first film, A Way Of Life (2004), here and been honoured with the UK Film Talent Award. I’m a proud Londoner and in A United Kingdom we’ve been able to film in some of the most beautiful parts of the city.”

Oyelowo and Pike are due to attend the European premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square. Festival director Clare Stewart said the film was a “testament to a defiant and enduring love story”. She added: “We are proud to be opening with a film that celebrates the triumph of love and intelligence over intolerance and oppression.”

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