In the new trailer for “The Kingmaker,” the story of Imelda Marcos can best be summed up by her own quote, “They found no skeletons, only beautiful shoes.” As seen in the footage for the documentary, it’s clear that the new film has one of the most incredible true stories of the year, while also featuring one of the most interesting, jaw-dropping subjects.
“The Kingmaker” follows the story of the Marcos family and how they ran the Phillippines. However, while this could be plenty of fodder for a normal political documentary, this film focuses on the indomitable Imelda Marcos, who is not ashamed of flaunting her wealth and power. She also might be responsible for killings and some horribly corrupt decisions in her own country.
“The Kingmaker” is directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Lauren Greenfield, who is probably best known for her film “The Queen of Versailles,” as well as projects like “Thin” and last year’s “Generation Wealth.”
The documentary will continue its run in fall film festivals before its theatrical opening. Thus far, the film has played in Venice, Telluride, and TIFF, among others. “The Kingmaker” will debut in theaters on November 8.
Here’s the synopsis:
Centered on the indomitable character of Imelda Marcos, THE KINGMAKER examines with intimate access the Marcos family’s improbable return to power in the Philippines. The film explores the disturbing legacy of the Marcos regime and chronicles Imelda’s present-day push to help her son, Bongbong, win the vice-presidency. To this end, Imelda confidently rewrites her family’s history of corruption, replacing it with a narrative of a matriarch’s extravagant love for her country. In an age when fake news manipulates elections, the Marcos family’s comeback story serves as a dark fairy tale. The film has been called a “hidden gem” by The Hollywood Reporter, “jaw-dropping” by Variety and “brilliant contextualization” by POV Magazine.