The Queen's Courtyard

Eva Heldmann's documentary THE QUEENS COURTYARD centers around Princess Nnana, the great-granddaughter of King Bathoen I, who is considered one of Botswana's visionary founders of the 19th century. After the death of her brother Prince Seatla, a funeral ceremony offers intimate insights into their way of life. The villagers are busy with the preparations, cows are slaughtered, state ministers offer condolences and the president of the country flies in by helicopter. "An absorbing and fascinating film, made with ingenuity and taste, with an eye for form and colour." (MMEGI Gaborone, Botswana)

Keywords

  • Made in Germany
  • Africa
  • history
  • women

Actors

  • Nnana B. Gaseitsiwe
  • Tshadi Mabe
  • Thomakgosi Mabe
  • Mokue Malau

Director

  • Eva C. Heldmann

Documentary, Independent


1h 20min


12

EN


IT

DE

PT

ES

Germany
2006
A personal documentary and biography about the history of a royal family in the unusual African country of Botswana.

A personal documentary and biography about the history of a royal family in the unusual African country of Botswana.


Eva Heldmann's documentary THE QUEENS COURTYARD centers around Princess Nnana, the great-granddaughter of King Bathoen I, who is considered one of Botswana's visionary founders of the 19th century. After the death of her brother Prince Seatla, a funeral ceremony offers intimate insights into their way of life. The villagers are busy with the preparations, cows are slaughtered, state ministers offer condolences and the president of the country flies in by helicopter.


"An absorbing and fascinating film, made with ingenuity and taste, with an eye for form and colour." (MMEGI Gaborone, Botswana)

Cast & Crew