It's the greatest African love story the world probably doesn't know, and British director Amma Asante has brought it to life with the help of homegrown actors. South African actors Terry Pheto and Abena Ayivor, who star in A United Kingdom, praised Asante for giving the story life.Pheto said: "It's a unique story. The world will finally see another side of Africa."A United Kingdom, a biographical romantic drama, tells the true story of the forbidden love between Seretse Khama, the king of Bechuanaland, now Botswana, and English insurance clerk Ruth Williams.Khama, played by David Oyelowo, and Ruth, played by Rosamund Pike, married in 1948 in spite of fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments.At the time Bechuanaland was a British protectorate and South Africa had just enforced its apartheid policies.The film, which opens in Botswana this week as the country celebrates 50 years of independence, also stars Generations actor Vusi Kunene.Pheto plays Khama's sister, Naledi Khama, who died earlier this year.Kunene and Ayivor play Seretse Khama's uncle Tshekedi Khama and his wife, Ella.Ayivor said: "It was amazing and interesting because a lot of stories don't tell the African side."It's an African story told by a black person and so it comes from a place of real understanding. As black people we don't often get the budget to tell our stories, so to get to do that with a Hollywood budget is great."For Pheto and Ayivor it was "an honour" to work with award-winning director Asante, and actors Oyelowo and Pike.But what made filming in Botswana "special" was filming in Seretse's home.Ayivor said: "Filming in Seretse's home you feel the importance and the weight of history."With this also came the pressure of playing real characters.Ayivor said it was important for her to portray Ella with respect.Pheto said: "There is always pressure with a new project, but with a true story there's added pressure because you need to confront the role with sensitivity."It's never easy playing a real person. The challenge is that you don't want to mimic the person, but you also want to make it authentic."A United Kingdom had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival earlier this month and will open the London Film Festival next week before its release in UK cinemas in November. The film will be released in cinemas locally in December...