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 Lord Curzon, and forms a friendship with Princess Mary.
Cast
Abdullah Ali as Prince Faisal
Yousef Alsaid as baby Faisal
Ed Skrein as Philby
Hermione Corfield as Princess Mary
Laurence Fox as Lawrence of Arabia
Rawkan Binbella as Emir Abdulaziz
James Fleet as King George V
Celyn Jones as Winston Churchill
Rubén Ochandiano as Al Thunayyan
Aidan McArdle as Humphrey Bowman
Marina Gatell as Stella
Kenneth Cranham as Lord Curzon
Lewis Reeves as Prince of Wales
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 (BCN FILM FEST) 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.