Directed by Agustí Villaronga, Born a King (2019) tells the extraordinary true story of 13-year-old Faisal, the younger son of the first King of Saudi Arabia, who in 1919 is sent on a diplomatic mission to secure the formation of his country. In the frenetic post-WWI atmosphere, Faisal becomes the first Saudi royal to visit the UK on a politically precarious trip lasting five months. In London, he negotiates with some of the preeminent figures of the age, including Lord Curzon and Winston Churchill, while forming a friendship with Princess Mary who helps guide him through the corridors of power.

A coming-of-age story, the film chronicles the beginning of Faisal’s diplomatic career and ambitions. Faisal ultimately became the hugely popular king of Saudi Arabia (1964-1975), implementing modernization and reform.

Following the screening, join us for a special conversation on Monday, November 1 at 8 p.m. New York time about the film with two people who are intimately familiar with the story: HRH Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the son of King Faisal, and HRH Princess Reema Al Saud, the Saudi Ambassador to the United States and granddaughter of King Faisal. They will be joined in conversation by Asia Society President and CEO Kevin Rudd. Register for free.

Born a King

Genre: Historical Drama
Duration: 100 minutes
Director: Agustí Villaronga
Producers: Andres Vicente Gomez, Marco Gomez, Stuart Sutherland, Abdullah Al Nafeesah
Language: English
Main Cast: Ed Skrein, Hermione Corfield, Rawkan Binbella, Ruben Ochandiano, Abdullah Ali, Celyn Jones, Sam Adewunmi, Laurence Fox, Kenneth Cranham

How to Watch
Register for free via Eventive to stream this film. Viewing instructions for the film will be emailed to all registrants. This film screening via Eventive is only available in the following authorized regions: United States of America, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Switzerland. The film is not available to stream in any other countries not listed as an authorized region. For any further questions, reach out to [email protected].

This program is presented by Asia Society Museum and Asia Society Southern California as part of Asia Society at the Movies, a series that showcases a broad range of films and filmmakers from across Asia and the Asian diaspora.

This screening is made possible by Lola Films.

Asia Society at the Movies
Asia Society is proud to present Asia Society at the Movies, a new series of film screenings and conversations showcasing a broad range of films and filmmakers from across Asia and the Asian diaspora. Asia Society at the Movies celebrates established and emerging voices, contemporary films and classics, and documentaries. The series builds on Asia Society’s long and rich history of film programming. This initiative also serves to deepen understanding of Asian cultures—a core part of Asia Society’s mission since its creation. Learn more about the Asia Society at the Movies initiative.

About Asia Society Museum
Asia Society Museum presents a wide range of traditional, modern, and contemporary exhibitions of Asian and Asian American art, taking new approaches to familiar masterpieces and introducing under-recognized arts and artists. The Asia Society Museum Collection comprises a traditional art collection, including the initial bequests of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd, and a contemporary art collection. Through exhibitions and public programs, Asia Society provides a forum for the issues and viewpoints reflected in both traditional and contemporary Asian art and in Asia today.

About Asia Society Southern California
Established in Los Angeles in 1985, Asia Society Southern California (ASSC) is ideally situated at the gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. ASSC has played a pivotal role through creative programs and activities in increasing shared knowledge, enhancing dialogue, and furthering cultural exchanges transcending regional boundaries. As part of the global Asia Society, which was founded more than 60 years ago in New York City, ASSC has launched many creative initiatives and programs addressing current issues of importance across the fields of the arts, culture, policy, business, and education.