President Obama and the White House set Thursday, November 7, as a special date for screening of the Nelson Mandela biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Attending the screening are the film’s stars, Idris Elbra and Naomie Harris, as well as Mandela’s two daughters. According to Variety, Harvey Weinstein of The Weinstein Co. said, “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.”
There are many versions of Mandela’s story in Hollywood, but the Mandela family has personally shown much approval and cooperation for Long Walk to Freedom, attending the screening in Johannesburg this past Sunday. The movie will also be screened at The Kennedy Center on November 20, and will be hosted by Hilary Clinton. The official U.S. theatrical release will be in New York and Los Angeles on November 29. Long Walk to Freedom is said to already has some Oscar-buzz, since previous films in last year's Oscar race garnered more prestige and attention after they were screened at the White House.
