The Weinstein Company will screen its awards hopeful “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” at the White House on Thursday night for an audience that includes President Barack Obama.
Stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris will be in attendance along with Nelson Mandela’s daughters Zindzi and Zenani Mandela.
In June, Obama paid a tribute visit to Robben Island jail, 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.
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“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,” said Zindzi Mandela.
“The film is amazing and Naomie Harris‘ performance is beautiful,” added Winnie Mandela.
“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,” said TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein.
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Justin Chadwick directed “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” which is based on South African President Nelson Mandela’s autobiography of the same name. The book 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.
The film had its world premiere earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival and it’s set to play the upcoming AFI Festival on Nov. 10. TWC will release the movie in New York and Los Angeles on Nov. 29.