Zimbabwean-born film producer Eddie Chitate has successfully optioned the
rights to produce the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela biographical journal, 491 Days – Prisoner Number 1323/94, for development into a feature film. Chitate will develop, write and produce the feature through his production company Brainstorm Entertainment.
491 Days – Prisoner Number 1323/94 is the detailed journal written by Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The notes from the freedom fighter, is a compelling and moving book that includes some of the letters written by Madikizela-Mandela that gives readers insight into her brutal torture, moments of despair, and ultimately her resilience and defiance under immense pressure during her detention of which more than a year was spent in solitary confinement and her 2 trials.
Chitate has previously worked as a consulting producer on the 2011 film, Winnie Mandela, starring Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard; will now take a stab at bringing the highly personal and emotive book 491 Days – Prisoner Number 1323/94 by the late icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela to the screens.
“It is an honor to be able to develop this very personal account into a
feature film. At Brainstorm Entertainment, we pride ourselves in telling authentic
African stories to the world,” says Chitate. “The story of Winnie Mandela, her contribution to the freedoom we now enjoy and her harrowing ordeal at the hands of the apartheid regime is long overdue! Thank you to Swati Dlamini-Mandela and the Mandela family at large for their faith and confidence in granting us this option.”
The announcement comes straight after Eddie Chitate finalised an option
agreement through his company Brainstorm Entertainment Media with Winnie’s
granddaughter Swati Dlamini-Mandela, who is also credited as an editor for the
book and will also serve as a co-producer through her production company
KwaMadikizela Production Company.
Swati Dlamini-Mandela had this to say on the deal “I am thrilled to finally bring
this riveting story to screens. My late grandmother, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela,
shared many stories but none as globally vital as those from her time in
detention – detailing a test of character, resilience, dedication to the fight and a
never flagging spirit. This upcoming production keeps the Winnie MadikizelaMandela name alive and serves as a reminder of the legacy my Grandmother
has left to young South Africans, Africans and Global activists who now face a
variety of current day struggles.”
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