Late last year it was announced that Nigerian-British actor David Oyelowo will star in a film based on the love story of Sir Seretse Khama and Lady Ruth Williams. When news of this film broke in December 2013, it was said production will begin sometime in 2014 but there is no sign of production work taking place. The film will be based on a script by Guy Hibbert and will be backed by UK based Pathe. The film titled A United Kingdom was to reflect Khama’s relationship with Ruth Williams, an English woman who eventually became Botswana’s first lady despite opposition of their union by both their families, the British government, tribal elders of Botswana and the apartheid government in South Africa.
International publications had reported that, A United Kingdom would be set in Botswana and London even though at the time news broke, a director had not been found and the role of Ruth Williams had not been cast. With the year already halfway through, no news have been heard on whether this film will see the light of day or not. Reached for comment, the Government spokesperson Dr. Jeff Ramsay said he was aware of the proposed film but had not heard of any new developments in recent months. “I have no firm information at this time. There was speculation that the project will begin before the end of this year, but it is not clear that this will in fact be the case. I am not aware of any announcement of a director yet which of course is critical for the project to move forward,” he said.
Ramsay did however point out that the Khama family has been informed of this film and welcomed the project. As to whether government will be involved in the making of this film, Ramsay said there was no commitment at the moment but said they will assist if called upon to do so. “Obviously if they film here we will at least facilitate in terms of providing film permits and other things that are necessary. At this point in time we shall keep our eyes open for further developments.” He explained.