King for a Day DVD

King for a Day DVD now available.

£10 plus £5 P&P (up to 3 DVDs) = £15 

UK ONLY. Please get in touch if from outisde the UK. 

Please note: The Paypal link seems to only work using Google Chrome and Firefox.

Proceeds will go towards the licensing cost of the audio-visual archive within the film. Surplus funds will be split equally between us and the two Obby Oss parties.

61-minute documentary (completed 2022)

by Barbara Santi

Distributed by DER.

Now available on VoD https://vimeo.com/ondemand/kingforadayder

King for a Day is a poetic archive-led documentary immersing us in the personal story of the people of Padstow, their ancient rituals and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. Tensions between tradition and progress punctuate the importance of cultural identity and the relevance of folk customs in our globalised society. King for a Day is an intimate portrait of a place and community pushed to the margins. A cinematic journey interweaving audio-visual archive spanning 150 years. Will this be the last generation to tease the 'Old Oss' from her stable to welcome the Summer?

King for a Day is the inspirational story of indigenous Britain following a marginalized community at the heart of one of Europe's oldest folk customs, told through the narratives and archives of its people. A personal insight into a community in transition – Padstow's "sexy, savage springtime rite", known as the Obby Oss, is an ancient, ritualistic celebration welcoming the summer on May 1st. Filmed over nine years in the shadow of Brexit, the documentary reveals how the tradition acts as a form of community defiance and a vehicle for the Padstow people to have a voice. For the first time, we see the significance of May Day through local eyes.

King for a Day is a story about friendship, hope, celebration and unity.

Supported by Sheffield Doc Fest Fast Track to Features, selected for the Specials Board, and selected to pitch at BFI Documentary Film Fund pitch (2014).

Funded by Heritage Lottery, Arts Council England, UK Film Council, Feast Cornwall, and Cultivator Cornwall.

Festivals: Heritales International Heritage Festival (2022), Berlin Arts International Film Festival (2022), Wales International Film Festival (Finalist, 2022), Celtic Media Festival (2023).