The White Rajahs
The extraordinary story of James Brooke who's dynasty of white rajahs ruled Sarawak in Northern Borneo for over a century 1841-1946. This saga was the the inspiration of numerous novels and feature films but also deeply influenced the inhabitants of what is today part of the malay federation. Through their presence the Brookes created a nation and protected it from the commercial and civillisational ravages of colonialism. This film through archives and recreations and an exclusive interview with the last rajh will relate the exotic saga in its historical context.
Type (Documentaire / Documentaire fiction / Série documentaire)DocumentaryGenre en anglaisHistory & Investigation Written byMurielle Lacoche, Philippe FranchiniDirected by David Carr-BrownSupported by CNC, ProcirepYear2003Duration52min
Many men dream of being king. Today we dismiss them as megalomaniacs, fantasists. But 150 years ago, in the heyday of European empires, a few
adventurers did make such dreams come true.
For 95 years part of Borneo was ruled by a British family who had no
particular claim to Sarawak other than, initially, brute force. The story of
the Brooke family is extraordinary because they managed to control a country
with no army, no thugs and no support from any outside power.
The Brookes were military, political and sexual adventurers who the world
was, in the end, forced to recognise as the legal rulers of Sarawak. And by
1930, large deposits of oil made Sarawak a prize.
This saga was the inspiration of numerous novels and feature films but also deeply influenced the inhabitants of what is today part of the Malay Federation. Through their presence the Brookes created a nation and protected it from the commercial and civilization ravages of colonialism.
Press coverage
This documentary is not a myth, but it certainly resembles one. It brings to life the saga of an English family that established a dynasty of rajahs on the island of Borneo in the 19th century. (…) An incredible historical tale set against a backdrop of legendary exoticism.
Les Inrockuptibles
This exploration of a forgotten aspect of colonial history is captivating.
Télé Loisirs
An exotic and captivating tale worthy of grand sagas, filled with romantic intrigues, passions, power struggles, and extraordinary destinies—all set against a backdrop of historical reality.
Télé Star
Illustrated with archival images, this saga steeped in romance is narrated by Queen Sylvia, the wife of the last rajah.
Télé 7 Jours
Other works by David Carr-Brown
Inside North Korea
This film reveals the hidden talent of North Korea’s supreme leader, Kim Jung-Il, « The Great General », as a Screenwriter, Director, Technicien and Film academic, exposing at the same time his…
The Atomic Republic
In 1974 Iran became a major shareholder in a little known French company called Eurodif. It was a simple commercial contract-Iranian cash in return for the enriched Uranium Eurodif were to produce.…