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RETRAK is delighted to be associated with the film ‘The Last King of Scotland’ which was released in the UK on January 12th '07.
The film, which has been very well received by the critics, is based on Giles Foden's award-winning novel that meshes history and fiction. It focuses on a Scottish doctor who, through a twist of fate, becomes the hand-picked personal physician of the then-new president of Uganda. The doctor is flattered by his new position but soon sees Amin's savagery and his own involvement in it.
Be warned - The Last King of Scotland is a powerful, sometimes frightening, totally compelling film but not for the feint hearted!
Forest Whitaker plays Idi Amin, James McAvoy plays Nicholas Garrigan, the Scottish doctor, Gillian Anderson has the role of Dr. Sara Zachand and Kerry Washigton plays one of Amin’s wives.
Forest Whitaker received a Golden Globe and an Oscar for best actor, for his portrayal of Amin.
Go to the official Last King of Scotland website at http://www.foxsearchlight.com/lastkingofscotland/ 
The film was shot on location in Uganda. Andy Williams, RETRAK’s International Director, helped cast the white extras for the film (and has a line in it!) and 26 boys from Tigers Club, RETRAK’s Uganda project, also appear as extras in the film!
Being associated with the film has already opened many doors for RETRAK and given our work exposure to a new audiences. We are especially grateful to the producers and all at Cowboy Films, Rogue Films and Fox for their support and encouragement.
Since making the film, James McAvoy has visited RETRAK's flagship project, Tigers Club in Kampala. He kindly narrated a documentary for us after his visit. To see this documentary and other short clips about James's Journey, click here .
Forest Whitaker Takes Oscar For Best Actor
Forest WhitakerThe Last King Of Scotland
NOMINATED ROLEForest
Whitaker plays Idi Amin, the notorious Ugandan dictator whose
charismatic personality cannot mask the savage brutality of his
actions.
ACCEPTANCE SPEECHThank
you. Thank you. Just a second, just a second. OK. Take it. OK. I wrote
something down, because I thought if it would happen that I would be a
little overwhelmed and I am. So, OK. When I was a kid, the only way
that I saw movies was from the backseat of my family's car. At the
drive-in. And, it wasn't my reality to think I would be acting in
movies, so receiving this honor tonight tells me that it's possible. It
is possible for a kid from east Texas, raised in South Central L.A. in
Carson, who believes in his dreams, commits himself to them with his
heart, to touch them, and to have them happen.
Because when I first started acting, it was because of my desire to
connect to everyone. To that thing inside each of us. That light that I
believe exists in all of us. Because acting for me is about believing
in that connection and it's a connection so strong, it's a connection
so deep, that we feel it. And through our combined belief, we can
create a new reality. So I want to thank my fellow believers in The Last King of Scotland.
I want to thank Peter, Jeremy, Andrea, Lisa, Charles, Kevin, James
McAvoy, Kerry, Stephen, Fox, DNA, Channel Four. I want to thank the
people of Uganda, who helped this film have a spirit. And finally, I
want to thank my mom and my dad. I want to thank my wife Keisha, my
children, my ancestors, who continue to guide my steps. And God, God
who believes in us all. And who's given me this moment, in this
lifetime, that I will hopefully carry to the end of my lifetime into
the next lifetime. Thank you.
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