France will be the first European country to release the film “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”, based on the life of former president Nelson Mandela, the film's producer said on Monday.
Anant Singh said the movie would be released across France by media company Pathe on December 18.
“Pathe will release the film... on more than 350 screens, and it will be the first release of this magnitude for a South African film,” said Singh.
Pathe believed the movie would appeal to the French public, as Mandela was one of the most loved international statesmen in France.
The announcement coincides with French President Francois Hollande's visit to South Africa.
He is on a two-day state visit, during which he is set to push for greater co-operation on African crises.
Singh said: “We are encouraged with their confidence in the film and we believe it will further solidify the relationship between our countries.”
The movie will be released in South Africa on November 28.
British actor Idris Elba, who is famous for his role in the television series “The Wire”, and films “Thor”, “Prometheus”, and “Pacific Rim” plays Mandela.
The role of Mandela's former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is played by Naomie Harris, who played Eve Moneypenny in the recent James Bond film “Skyfall”.
The film has already been selected for the Royal Film Performance in the UK.
It also won the Audience Favourite Feature Award at the Aspen Filmfest in the US. - Sapa