Philippe Lacôte brings Night of the Kings, a story about a ritual that takes place in an unconventional prison in West Africa. A place Lacôte would go to weekly during his childhood.

The Synopsis 

A young man is sent to “La Maca,” a prison in the middle of the Ivorian forest ruled by its inmates. As tradition goes with the rising of the red moon, he is designated by the Boss to be the new “Roman” and must tell a story to the other prisoners. Learning what fate awaits him, he begins to narrate the mystical life of the legendary outlaw named “Zama King” and has no choice but to make his story last until dawn.

Philippe Lacôte is a writer and director from Ivory Coast, West of Africa. He has directed films like Cairo Hours, African Metropolis and Run. In 2004 Run received an award at the Amiens International Film Festival. Along with several nominations at other film festivals like Cannes Film Festival and the Lumiere Awards in France. 

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The success repeats with Night of the Kings with numerous nominations. Including winning an award at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival and this years Rotterdam International Films Festival.

I had the opportunity to connect with the filmmaker Philippe Lacôte via Zoom to talk about Night of the Kings. Lacôte shared his personal experience going to La Maca when he was young and how that childhood experience inspired him to write this story. In addition, he talked about the real story behind the film and being able to shoot scenes outside the prison. 

Night of the Kings is available On Demand today!

Source: LRM Online Exclusive