Born a King


Born a King is a 2019 historical coming-of-age drama film directed by Agustí Villaronga. The film stars Abdullah Ali, Ed Skrein, Hermione Corfield, Laurence Fox, and James Fleet.

Plot

In 1919, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, 14-year-old Faisal is sent by his father, Emir Abdulaziz, on a high-stakes diplomatic mission to London to secure the formation of what was to become the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Young Faisal negotiates his country's and his family's future with seasoned politicians like Winston Churchill and George Curzon, [1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston|Lord Curzon], and forms a friendship with Mary, [Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood|Princess Mary].

Cast

Production

It wrapped filming in late 2017. The production of the movie lasted nearly for four years. Filming locations include London, Riyadh and Diriyah. The film is Saudi actor Abdullah Ali's cinematic debut.

Release

It premiered at the Barcelona Sant Jordi International Film Festival on 25 April 2019. On 26 September 2019 the movie was released in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and earned a first-four-day $972,962.

Reception

Born a King is the recipient of the 2019 best film award from the Inward Eye Film Festival for independent cinema.