Logline: In “The Short Straw,” former Private Military Contractor Lee Sansum recounts his extraordinary journey from war-torn Somalia and Libya to becoming under the employ of Mohamed Al-Fayed as a personal bodyguard of Princess Diana, sharing intimate stories of his time with the royal family and reflecting on the fateful choice that forever altered the course of history.

Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of the UK, “The Short Straw” follows Lee Sansum, a former Private Military Contractor whose harrowing experiences in Somalia and Libya shape his resolve and skills. After returning from war, Lee is recruited by Mohamed Al-Fayed as a bodyguard, where he finds himself in a pivotal role: the personal protector of Princess Diana. As Lee navigates the complexities of royal life, he shares untold intimate stories about Princess Diana and her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, revealing the close bond he developed with the family. However, just before the tragic events in Paris, Lee faces a heart-wrenching decision among his bodyguard peers drawing straws to determine who will protect the princess during her travels. Haunted by the knowledge of what might have been, Lee reflects on the weight of that choice and the profound impact it had on his life and the world. “The Short Straw” offers a compelling and unprecedented perspective on the days leading up to one of the most significant moments in modern history, exploring themes of duty, fate, and the unseen sacrifices made by those in the shadows of fame.

Lee Sansum

– Former Private Military Contractor  

– Experience in hostile environments

– Bodyguard to one of the most infamous individuals in the world Princess Diana.

Directed by: Nathan Taupez Scinto