Joh: Last King of Queensland 2025
"A captivating and cautionary portrait of one of Australia’s most controversial politicians, Joh Bjelke-Petersen, whose career can be seen as a playbook for the Trump era."
Dive into the explosive rise and fall of Joh Bjelke-Petersen in *Joh: Last King of Queensland (2025)*, Kriv Stenders' gripping documentary that dissects one of Australia's most polarizing political figures.
Director: Kriv Stenders
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joh: Last King of Queensland (2025) about?
This documentary traces the 19-year reign of Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Queensland's longest-serving premier, whose tenure was marked by breathtaking economic expansion but also deep-seated corruption and repression. Through rare footage and firsthand accounts, the film examines how his leadership left a contradictory imprint on Australia's political landscape.
Who directed Joh: Last King of Queensland?
Kriv Stenders, known for his work on provocative documentaries and dramas, helms this revealing portrait of one of Queensland's most controversial figures.
Who stars in Joh: Last King of Queensland?
The documentary features interviews with key figures like historian Matthew Condon, politician Bob Katter, actor Richard Roxburgh, musician Lindy Morrison, and musician Ed Kuepper alongside archival appearances of Joh Bjelke-Petersen himself.
Is Joh: Last King of Queensland (2025) worth watching?
As an unrated documentary, it may not have audience scores yet, but its sharp focus on power, corruption, and historical parallels makes it a must-watch for fans of political dramas and real-life exposés. The film's urgency and Stenders' direction elevate it beyond typical biographies.
How long is Joh: Last King of Queensland?
The film runs for 99 minutes, offering a tight, immersive dive into Joh's complex legacy.
🎥 Trailer
About Joh: Last King of Queensland (2025) — The rise, fall, and dark legacy of a political titan
Dive into the explosive rise and fall of Joh Bjelke-Petersen in *Joh: Last King of Queensland (2025)*, Kriv Stenders' gripping documentary that dissects one of Australia's most polarizing political figures. For nearly two decades, Joh's iron-fisted rule over Queensland reshaped the state's destiny—sparking unprecedented growth while concealing a shadow of corruption, electoral fraud, and brutal crackdowns on dissent. Through haunting archival footage and candid interviews with historians and insiders, this film peels back the layers of a man whose populist charm masked authoritarian tendencies. The atmosphere is tense, the revelations staggering, and the parallels to modern political playbooks undeniable.
The documentary frames Joh's journey from a humble farm boy raised on hard work and religious fervor to a leader whose legacy is as divisive as it is enduring. With a sharp lens on his infamous rambling speeches and unorthodox leadership style, Stenders crafts a cautionary tale about power, manipulation, and the seductive allure of strongman politics. Whether you're drawn to political thrillers or historical exposés, *Joh: Last King of Queensland* offers a chilling, cinematic exploration of how one man's reign left an indelible—and controversial—mark on a nation.