[3] Born in Cairo, Egypt, Raeburn lived in Rhodesia from the age of three.

After making his satirical 1969 film Rhodesia Countdown (Directors' Fortnight Cannes), he was declared a prohibited immigrant in Rhodesia, and spent twelve years in exile.

The pair became friends, and on-off lovers, and in 1977 began working together on a movie adaptation of Giovanni's Room.

[5] Marlon Brando agreed to play the part of Guillaume, and Robert De Niro also showed interest in the project.

However, Raeburn eventually gave up the project, frustrated at financial demands made by Baldwin's agent.