VICTORIA, Seychelles — A new four-part documentary by Beau Vallon filmmaker Claude Bonté is bringing the often-murky political history of the years leading up to Seychelles’ independence into living rooms across the country, with the third episode broadcast on the national broadcaster and the fourth still in production.
Titled A Tale of Two Lawyers, the series is the first film of its kind in Seychelles and was not censored, according to Bonté. Drawing on six years of research and interviews with key figures, the four-part series aims to preserve Seychelles’ history for future generations while encouraging a balanced understanding of the nation’s past.
The story begins in the years leading up to independence in 1976, exploring the formation of the two major political parties that would come to define modern Seychelles: the Democratic Party, known as the DP, and the Seychelles People’s United Party, the SPUP, together with the two lawyers who became central figures in shaping the country’s future.
The documentary also situates Seychelles within the wider historical context, including British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan’s famous Wind of Change speech in 1960, which signalled Britain’s intention to grant independence to its colonies. It examines how Seychellois became increasingly aware of their right to vote and influence national affairs, the foundations of workers’ rights and employment laws, and the constitutional discussions at Marlborough House in London and the debates over whether Seychelles was ready for independence.
It also explores the Cold War context, including Seychelles’ ties with Cuba and the Soviet Union, the collapse of the Soviet bloc and how global shifts led to economic reforms and engagement with institutions such as the International Monetary Fund.
At the time, many doubted whether such a small nation could stand alone. A popular saying asked how a country that could not manufacture something as simple as a matchstick could possibly be ready for independence. The series follows Seychelles through independence, the coup d’état, the planning and the profound impact those events had on society.
Bonté, who had to teach himself filmmaking from scratch, said the project started shortly after Sir James Mancham’s death. While there was plenty of footage of him, very little documented the other side of the story. That became his motivation: to produce a balanced work that would engage audiences by seeking to understand what happened.
He also studied cinematic storytelling, consulted professionals in London and refined his skills. One lesson stands out: when you are truly committed, the universe conspires to help you in ways you would never imagine possible. Understanding how artificial intelligence could support filmmaking also became a breakthrough.
According to Bonté, getting the documentary on SBC was harder than making it. Initially SBC appreciated the historical content but questioned whether the story was told in a way that would engage audiences. They reminded him that every good story needs a clear beginning, middle and end. The editorial suggestions to improve presentation and storytelling, which he accepted because they strengthened the film, were constructive rather than restrictive.
Viewers have thanked him for teaching them aspects of Seychelles’ history they never knew. Preserving history is essential so future generations can learn from it, he said. Bonté hopes the documentary reaches audiences worldwide. Seychelles has an extraordinary history, and sharing it internationally could strengthen the country’s tourism industry by giving visitors another reason to experience the islands.
The Bonté film also aligns with the wider regional push to record and preserve the founding stories of the Republic of Seychelles, which became independent from Britain in 1976 under founding President James Mancham of the Seychelles Democratic Party, before being replaced the following year in the 1977 coup led by France-Albert René of the SPUP. The country’s recent 50th anniversary of independence has been marked by renewed interest in those founding years.
The BBC’s coverage of Seychelles’ independence and the constitutional road that led to it offers a wider international perspective on the events the documentary explores, while the WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative is one example of how global institutions have continued to engage with the small island state on health, education and environmental issues since those founding years.
Sources cited: Republic of Seychelles, Wikipedia. James Mancham, Wikipedia. BBC, Seychelles country profile.
Source: SN
