David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike and Amma Asante talk 'A United Kingdom'

We recently sat down with actors David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike - as well director Amma Asante - to discuss their new film, A United Kingdom.

Set during the post-war period of the British Empire in Africa, A United Kingdom tells the remarkable true-life story of Seretse Khama, the King of Bechuanaland (modern Botswana) and Ruth Williams, a London office worker, whose love triumphed over oppression and intolerance to lay the foundations for one of Africa's most peaceful and prosperous countries.

To complement the film, we've developed a brand new A United Kingdom: The Power of Unity resource. Developed with National Schools Partnership, this inspirational learning resource is aimed at young people aged 11-18 and supports the PSHE/LLW/PSE/Health & Wellbeing and History curricula, as well as SMSC education. The resource will immerse students in the post-war period of the British Empire in Africa, while bringing into focus the contemporary relevance of the film's story through building empathy with the key characters and by reflecting on how British values including tolerance, respect for cultural diversity and interracial relationships have developed.

A United Kingdom: The Power of Unity

Black History Month, 1 Oct - 1 Nov

National Schools Partnership and Into Film with Pathé launch A United Kingdom: The Power of Unity.

Suitable for 11+

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In the video above you can see director Amma Asante discussing the way shooting on the real locations featured in the story inspired the cast and crew, and the way the film looks at Apartheid from a new angle. Below, David Oyelowo reveals what first grabbed him about the project, and why it's important to tell positive stories set in Africa, while Rosamund Pike spoke about the real-life character she played and how she adapted to life in Africa. Both also reveal the attention to detail that led to such an authentic recreation of 1940s London in the film.