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| Barack Obama to screen Nelson Mandela biopic in White House | Barack Obama to screen Nelson Mandela biopic in White House |
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| The forthcoming biopic of Nelson Mandela received a presidential seal of approval with the news that Barack Obama is to host a special White House screening. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom will play out inside the exclusive screening room on Pennsylvania Avenue on 7 November. Beltway politicians are advised to circle the date in their diaries. | The forthcoming biopic of Nelson Mandela received a presidential seal of approval with the news that Barack Obama is to host a special White House screening. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom will play out inside the exclusive screening room on Pennsylvania Avenue on 7 November. Beltway politicians are advised to circle the date in their diaries. |
| Based on Mandela's 1994 autobiography, the film is backed by the Weinstein Company and directed by the British film-maker Justin Chadwick. It stars Idris Elba as Mandela and Naomie Harris as his second wife Winnie. Elba and Harris are to attend the White House screening alongside Mandela's daughters Zindzi and Zenani. | Based on Mandela's 1994 autobiography, the film is backed by the Weinstein Company and directed by the British film-maker Justin Chadwick. It stars Idris Elba as Mandela and Naomie Harris as his second wife Winnie. Elba and Harris are to attend the White House screening alongside Mandela's daughters Zindzi and Zenani. |
| Long Walk to Freedom charts Mandela's life from his rural childhood and anti-apartheid activism through his 27-year imprisonment and eventual inauguration as South Africa's first black president. The film has been commended by members of Mandela's family and is seen as a contender for next year's Academy Awards. But early reviews have been mixed. | Long Walk to Freedom charts Mandela's life from his rural childhood and anti-apartheid activism through his 27-year imprisonment and eventual inauguration as South Africa's first black president. The film has been commended by members of Mandela's family and is seen as a contender for next year's Academy Awards. But early reviews have been mixed. |
| Obama escorted his own family on a tour of Mandela's former prison on Robben Island last June. "We're deeply humbled to stand where men of such courage faced down injustice and refused to yield," The US president later wrote in the guestbook: "The world is grateful for the heroes of Robben Island, who remind us that no shackles or cells can match the strength of the human spirit." | Obama escorted his own family on a tour of Mandela's former prison on Robben Island last June. "We're deeply humbled to stand where men of such courage faced down injustice and refused to yield," The US president later wrote in the guestbook: "The world is grateful for the heroes of Robben Island, who remind us that no shackles or cells can match the strength of the human spirit." |
| On Monday, Harvey Weinstein hailed Obama's decision to host the movie. "Knowing what a strong relationship President Obama has with President Mandela, it's an honour for this film to be shown at the White House." | On Monday, Harvey Weinstein hailed Obama's decision to host the movie. "Knowing what a strong relationship President Obama has with President Mandela, it's an honour for this film to be shown at the White House." |
| Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom opens in the US on November 29 and the UK on January 3. | |
| • First look review • News from the Toronto premiere • News from the South African premiere | • First look review • News from the Toronto premiere • News from the South African premiere |
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