Califia: Queen of California
Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Epic
Logline: Believed to be a mythical Queen, her story still resonates with the spirit in her land as the warrior Queen.
Synopsis:
Queen Califia lived by a strict moral code: to live in harmony with people, animals, land, sea, sun and the heavenly planets. The homes in her kingdom were simple wood cottages or inside cave dwellings with a Holy Altar in each of them.
Despite rumors of being more than a woman, but a goddess from on high, sometimes Califia would be tempted to abandon her morals when the enticement of gaining new land entered into her mind. Typically the Elder Matriarchs could reason with her and bring her back down to Earth, but everything changed when Califia began to envision herself as the Queen of the world. Even the Elders could not break through to their Queen’s stubborn mind.
The opportunity to rule the world came when a Muslim warrior named Radiaro knelt before her, begging for her help in the Battle of Constantinople. The Elder Matriarchs warned her not to go, for they foresaw the end of their ancient kingdom. Califia did not heed their advice, setting sail for Constantinople.
Her arrogance proves futile as her warriors cannot tell the difference between the Muslim warriors and Christian warriors, killing all men who cross their path. She winds up in a prison in Rome where she begins questioning her pagan gods. Converting to Christianity gives her freedom.
Upon returning home, she begins converting the people in her kingdom to Christianity. The Spaniards arrives shortly after, deeming the kingdom a land of weak men and Califia a witch. They begin rounding up her people, enslaving them as more people are killed in battle.
The Elder Matriarchs protect Califia as the Spaniards figure out that only with her death can they force compliance. Califia surrenders herself in hopes it will save her people.
They rise a sword up above her neck as she speaks words of hope to her horrified people. She promises that she will watch over the land and come to the aid of anyone who needs her help. She will always be the spirit of the land, doing God’s work. She will be there as the sword slices through the air, Califia becomes the Guardian Angel of her kingdom.
*This is a brief synopsis from a longer story compiled from research from Ghanan historians.
*The project will be written by a black screenwriter and a black director will be hired to direct this remarkable woman’s story.
