Nelson Mandela’s life story on the big screen 

     Nelson Mandela, affectionately referred to as Madiba, his tribal name, was South Africa’s former President, freedom fighter, anti-apartheid advocate, politician and philanthropist. A biopic based on Mandela’s life is in serious talks, based on a biographic book by Zelda la Grange.

Zelda la Grange, a former private secretary of Late Nelson Mandela, once wrote a book about the erstwhile President of South Africa. The book was the first one from the most trusted inner circle of people close to Mandela. It has been published in many languages all over the world.Now, the biographical book is all set to be transformed into the silver screen, to show the world the friendship that took shape between la Grange and Mandela.

The book goes by the title ‘Good Morning, Mr. Mandela,’ and reflects the life story of la Grange as well, who grew up among people who perceived Mandela as a terrorist. She eventually became one of the most devoted associates that Mandela had ever seen, for almost 20 years. La Grange began her career in Mandela’s office as a typist in 1994, the year in which he was elected as the post-apartheid President.   She was later promoted as a private secretary in the year 1999; she also worked for him during presidency and post-presidency, until his death.

‘Good Morning, Mr. Mandela,’ is the very first book that offers an inside, up, close and personal look at the daily life of the legendary Madiba.

It portrays the real human being that he was, a real picture of the humble but strong leader that South Africa is proud to have a history with.

The book is very much about the friendship between Zelda and Mandela. It explores the obvious contrast where a young white Afrikaans woman serves the first black president of a novel democratic country.  The turbulent transition from the violent history of the nation to the democracy it is now, is also pictured in the story. 

The film story spans from the release of the South African freedom fighter from prison, to his death. Zelda explains that she broke down when she first met him, in fear and guilt out of how negatively Afrikaans people had treated the celebrated leader for many decades. She remembers that he was old at the time, and she felt guilty for her own people who sent him to jail, but all he did was hold her hand.

‘Good Morning, Mr. Mandela,’ will be added to an  expanding list of movies about the joint winner of the 1993 Nobel peace prize. ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ is a 2013 film based on Mandela’s life, adapted from his own memoir. The 2009 drama ‘Invictus’ shows his role in using the 1995 rugby World Cup to foster a sense of unity among the South African population. In ‘Long Walk to Freedom,’ the British actor Idris Elba played the part and in ‘Invictus,’ Morgan Freeman eternalized the role.

Invictus’ was based on a book by Carlin. Another film where Mandela’s character has appeared is ‘Winnie Mandela,’ a 2011 movie which portrays the life of his former wife, who had stormed up many controversies. Terrence Howard acted in the role of Mandela in the film.   In ‘Goodbye Bafana,’ a 2007 film, Dennis Haysbert played Mandela with Joseph Fiennes as a prison guard who supposedly had a friendship with the freedom fighter.

The cast who will be playing Mandela and la Grange have not been announced yet. The film rights of the movie have been bought by New York-based Maven Pictures and the movie is to be produced by Jacqui Lewis, the ‘Going Clear’ fame. Maven co-founders Celine Rattray amdTrudieStyler are co-producing the venture as well.                 - Tressa Umbrootto