The eagerly awaited Nelson Mandela biopic, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, will have its first screening at a gala event at the 38th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
Produced by Anant Singh of South African company Videovision Entertainment, this epic film spans Mandela’s extraordinary life, from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected President of South Africa.
Says Singh: “We are delighted to have Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom selected for the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. We always believed that Toronto is the perfect platform to launch the film to international audiences. Videovision Entertainment is pleased to continue a 15-year association with the Festival which has featured many of our South African productions including Red Dust and the Oscar nominated, Yesterday. The Toronto Film Festival is unique as it allows us to present the film to both industry people and regular film goers in Canada.’
In the film, three actors play Nelson Mandela – Siza Pini plays the eight-year-old Mandela, Atandwa Kani plays him at 16, and Idris Elba plays the remaining years. Other actors include Tony Kgoroge (Walter Sisulu), Riaad Moosa (Ahmed Kathrada), Zolani Mkiva (Raymond Mhlaba), Simo Magwaza (Andrew Mlangeni), Fana Mokoena (Govan Mbeki), Thapelo Mokoena (Elias Motsoaledi), Naomie Harris (Winnie Mandela), Lindiwe Matshikiza (Zindzi Mandela), Terry Pheto (Evelyn), Jamie Bartlett (James Gregory), Deon Lotz (Kobie Coetzee) and Gys De Villiers (President De Klerk). The film is directed by Justin Chadwick.
Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom will be released in South Africa on 28 November 2013 through United International Pictures.
