The King Does Not Lie chronicles Santeria, the Afro-Cuban religion whose New World practitioners have often been maligned and harassed by authorities. In this intimate documentary, a contemporary Puerto Rican community of santeros gathers for the initiation of a priest of Shango, the “Thundergod” of the traditional Yoruba religion.

As audiences follow the initiate through a series of ritual events, a new perspective on ancient rites is revealed. The religion originated in Africa and the chants are sung in Yoruba. Such rituals form the basis of ceremonies performed in churches and temples of established religions; sacred stones washed in sacred, leafy waters become the energy for ritual purification and empowerment. The anointment of head, feet, and stones with the blood of sacrifice ensures atonement.

On the third day, the community gathers to witness the divination session in which the initiate receives his new name and, along with it, the transfer of allegiance from an outer, worldly to an inner, spiritual authority. A combination of ritual narration with poetic translation from Lucumi and Yoruba chants provides viewers with an understanding of the literal and figurative dimensions of the ceremony.

"The King Does Not Lie presents the earthy elements of a folk religion with dignity and integrity." ‒ Pastor Robert A. Wolfe Order of Carmelites

American Anthropological Association, 1993