An Indian-born filmmaker will re-release a Nelson Mandela documentary on the 10th anniversary of the legendary leader’s death.
Singh’s documentary feature film Viva Madiba: A Hero for All Seasons will be seen globally on Netflix and will be available for the first time to the streaming service’s audience across Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
The documentary, originally made as a tribute to Mandela, is a celebration of Mandela’s epic life and status as an international icon. The film travels beyond the headlines and out of the public eye, looking at Madiba from different angles – as a loyal friend, a loyal comrade, a confidant, a respected mentor and a man who touched and transformed so many. Live globally.
Mandela’s life of struggle, humanity, destiny and greatness is remembered and celebrated by those who knew and worked with him best, and “the film takes us beyond the political realm and into the personal realm, featuring exclusive interviews with politicians, close friends and comrades,” said Singh.
Among them are Archbishop Desmond Tutu; former ANC leader Oliver Tambo; George Bizos, the lawyer who defended Mandela and his co-accused at the infamous Rivonia trial that they were sent to prison; Long-time inmate and confidant Ahmed Kathrada and his former prison guard Christo Brandi. The documentary also features current President Cyril Ramaphosa, the country’s fourth since Mandela stepped down after serving just one term in office.
Singh recalled being in London for the royal premiere of his film Long Walk to Freedom when he received news of Mandela’s death at 95 after a long illness.
Just 15 minutes before the end of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, a film based on the autobiography of the same name, Singh received word that Mandela had died.
What was expected to be a standing ovation for Singh and the film’s cast from the famous audience, including Prince William and his wife Kate, turned into shocked disbelief as he waited until the end of the film to deliver the tragic news to the audience. called to honor the world icon with a moment of silence.
“Even though we all expected it to happen one day, it was such a shock to hear it as we sat in the theater watching the movie exactly as it happened,” he said.
A planned after-party was also canceled as the cast left in tears.
Singh spent nearly two decades planning the multi-million rand film, which won worldwide acclaim.
He previously explained how he told Mandela after reading the book’s manuscript that it should be made into a film.
“It’s amazing how quickly 10 years have gone by – it feels like yesterday we got the terrible news of Madiba’s death,” Singh said of the Mandela clan.
“Although the world is poorer without Nelson Mandela, despite his death 10 years ago, Madiba’s weight is still respected and recognized not only in South Africa but around the world,” Singh concluded.
