President Obama To Host White House Screening of ‘Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom’Posted by Wilson Morales
November 4, 2013
The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today an exciting special White House screening for their upcoming release MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM. President Barack Obama will be screening the film there on November 7th with stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris in attendance, along with Nelson Mandela’s daughters Zindzi and Zenani Mandela. Obama paid a tribute visit to Robben Island jail in June, the facility where Mandela was imprisoned for nearly two decades. The film premiered to much acclaim this past Sunday at a gala event in Johannesburg, which was attended by Mandela’s former wife Winnie Mandela.
Said Zindzi Mandela: “Idris Elba brings my father’s essence to life with an exceptional performance as Nelson Mandela. I loved the film, especially how it portrays my father’s life and his global impact from the values of a small village boy through to an international leader.”
Commented Nelson’s former wife Winnie Mandela: “The film is amazing and Naomie Harris’ performance is beautiful.”
Noted TWC CO-Chairman Harvey Weinstein: “Knowing what a strong relationship President Obama has with President Mandela, it’s an honor for this film to be shown at the White House.”
MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM is based on South African President Nelson Mandela’s autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming President and working to rebuild the country’s once segregated society. Idris Elba (PROMETHEUS) stars as Nelson Mandela, Naomie Harris (SKYFALL) stars as Winnie Mandela, with Justin Chadwick (THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL) directing. The film had its world premiere earlier this year at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. It is set to play the upcoming AFI Festival on November 10th and will have its U.S. theatrical release in New York and Los Angeles on November 29th.
