Pheello Mosesi
In a significant cultural exchange event marking Lesotho’s 200th anniversary, French Ambassador David Martinon recently hosted the first public screening of the documentary: Kingdom in the Sky at Alliance Francaise in Maseru.
The initiative stems from a deep-rooted relationship between Lesotho and France, dating back many decades.
According to the organisers of the special screening, the idea for the film originated during one of Ambassador Martinon’s visit to present his credentials to His Majesty King Letsie III. During this visit, the king highlighted France’s pivotal role in securing Lesotho’s independence through the efforts of French missionaries.
He then expressed the desire for a film that would capture this important historical relationship. In response, the French Embassy, with funding from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, collaborated with the Morija Museum and Archives to produce a film that commemorates Lesotho’s 200 years of existence and documents the long history of diplomatic relations initiated by French missionaries.
The organisers further indicated that the success of Kingdom in the Sky was made possible through the collaboration of talented artists across various disciplines, including graphic designers and filmmakers.
“The project was feasible through the collaboration of talented filmmakers and designers. It is important to engage artists in traditionally academic endeavours to make information easily accessible to the public,” the organisers said.
Commenting on the film project, Ambassador Martinon noted that the milestone not only celebrates the enduring partnership between the two nations but also lays the groundwork for future collaborations rooted in mutual respect for cultural heritage.
“This project reflects our commitment to fostering continued enrichment and partnership in the years ahead,” he stated.
The screening also revealed a strong appetite among the audience for more accessible representations of Lesotho’s history through film, with plans already underway to develop a digitisation strategy to make the Morija Museum and Archives more accessible to the public, particularly focusing on its history with France.
“The initiative is part of a broader effort to preserve fragile historical documents and make them available for future generations.”
Looking ahead, local film enthusiasts can anticipate more Basotho productions being screened. The upcoming European Film Festival, organised by the EU Delegation in Lesotho and Alliance Française de Maseru, will feature local films alongside European ones at multiple venues, including the National University of Lesotho.
Additionally, workshops will be held for students in the film industry, further enhancing local filmmaking skills. The film has also begun to circulate in France, and while formal feedback is pending, it has already attracted 2,000 views on YouTube within the first week of its release, indicating a positive reception.
Despite the current reliance on South African filmmakers for the production of Basotho heritage and history, there are growing opportunities for local talent to learn from international professionals. Alliance Française de Maseru regularly hosts workshops where local filmmakers can gain insights from experienced producers.
