The story of Jeremiah Heaton claiming a patch of land in Africa sounds entirely untrue. However, the farmer did seize that moment and the following events afterward were carefully documented by filmmakers Danny Abel and Brett Blake afterward in the documentary The King of North Sudan.

In the summer of 2014, American Jeremiah Heaton planted his flag in a large piece of undisputed land between Egypt and Sudan, in which neither country laid claims due to historical maps. At that moment, his promise was kept to make his daughter a princess. After being in viral news around the world, Heaton sought ways in developing the land into a livable civilization.

Here’s the synopsis:

Jeremiah Heaton: Farmer. Father. Monarch? The King of North Sudan chronicles one Virginia man’s brash quest to turn a desolate patch of African desert into his very own country—and get unspeakably rich in the process. Jeremiah must navigate the murky waters of global diplomacy, U.S. military dark sites, and the Chinese criminal underbelly to turn his dream into reality. Can he do it before he bankrupts his family? What moral compromises will he have to make in order to succeed? And what can this teach us about white male privilege and what’s left of the American Dream?

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LRM Online’s Gig Patta spoke with director/writer Danny Abel and writer/producer Brett Blake about Jeremiah Heaton and his worldwide adventures.

Danny Abel is a documentary filmmaker. He directed the documentary shorts New Beginnings, Electric, and The Whiff. In 2012, he directed the narrative short This Is Caroline that played in several film festivals. The King of North Sudan is his first full-length documentary.

The King of North Sudan is Brett Blake’s first writing credit on a film. He produced television series including ONNCast, Tough Season, Thingstarter, The Coop, and Fortune Rookie.

The King of North Sudan made its premiere this month at the Austin Film Festival 2021.

Watch the exclusive interview with Danny Abel and Brett Blake below. Let us know what you think of it.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive