Movie of Nelson Mandela's life premieres in South Africa
- 11 years ago
The man playing Nelson Mandela in a new movie embraces the real-life former wife of the anti-apartheid hero.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was among the family and friends of Nelson Mandela who gathered for the Johannesburg premiere of a new biopic of his life.
It was an event made all the more poignant as South Africa's 95-year-old former leader remains critically ill at his nearby home.
British actor Idris Elba nearly didn't make it to the film's debut... after being rushed to hospital suffering from a severe asthma attack.
But he arrived just in time, and spoke of taking on such a daunting task playing such an iconic figure.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH ACTOR, IDRIS ELBA, SAYING:
"If Mr. Madiba can stay in a jail cell for 19 years and they continue to still fight for his country. You know, I can stand here on the red carpet, no problem."
Naomie Harris plays Mandela's former wife, a role she found hard to let go of.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) A
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was among the family and friends of Nelson Mandela who gathered for the Johannesburg premiere of a new biopic of his life.
It was an event made all the more poignant as South Africa's 95-year-old former leader remains critically ill at his nearby home.
British actor Idris Elba nearly didn't make it to the film's debut... after being rushed to hospital suffering from a severe asthma attack.
But he arrived just in time, and spoke of taking on such a daunting task playing such an iconic figure.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH ACTOR, IDRIS ELBA, SAYING:
"If Mr. Madiba can stay in a jail cell for 19 years and they continue to still fight for his country. You know, I can stand here on the red carpet, no problem."
Naomie Harris plays Mandela's former wife, a role she found hard to let go of.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) A