King for a Day

King for a Day immerses viewers in the past and present of the ‘Obby ‘Oss tradition, celebrated in Padstow, UK to welcome the arrival of summer. Filmed over nine years, and drawing on archival materials reaching back 150 years, the film explores the rite in the context of dramatic cultural and economic changes. The festival emerges as a form of Cornish identity and community defiance for one marginalized British community. King for a Day asks whether this will be the last generation to practice this ancient springtime rite.

King for a Day is a companion piece to Barbara Santi's written thesis. The study examines Padstow's visual past to explore transformative ways of representing Cornish culture and identity. Intangible cultural heritage provides a lens to consider if documentary film can support protection of local communities and their customs.