THE KINGDOM IN THE SKY: Moshoeshoe’s Strategy and Legacy

In celebration of Lesotho's 200 years of independence, the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, in collaboration with Alliance Française de Maseru and the Morija Museum & Archives, presents The Kingdom in the Sky: Moshoeshoe’s Strategy and Legacy. This eight-minute documentary sheds light on the historical and cultural ties between Lesotho and France, tracing the leadership and diplomacy of King Moshoeshoe I.
Drawing on valuable archival material from the Morija Museum & Archives, the film explores Moshoeshoe’s ability to unite the Basotho nation and his strategic alliance with French missionaries in the 1830s. These relationships played a crucial role in Lesotho’s survival amidst growing external threats, culminating in its eventual status as a British protectorate. The film captures how Moshoeshoe’s wisdom and diplomacy laid the foundation for the modern Lesotho we know today.
This documentary, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is part of a larger cooperative project focused on preserving the archives of the Morija Museum. It reflects the longstanding bonds between France and Lesotho, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange and historical preservation.