The news of the death of Nelson Mandela broke during a royal gala screening of the autobiographical film Long Walk to
Freedom in London, reports BBC online.
The screening was attended by Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, as well as two of Mandela’s daughters.
Idris Elba, who plays the former leader in the film, called it an ‘honour to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela’. Prince William, who attended the screening, said the news was ‘extremely sad and tragic’.
The film is based on Mandela’s autobiography, published in 1995, and recounts his life from his childhood, through his 28 years behind bars in Robben Island prison, to becoming South Africa’s first black president in 1994. Two of Mandela’s daughters – Zindzi and Zenani – were at the screening at the Odeon in Leicester Square when they were told of the death of their father.
Although they left the cinema, they insisted that the film continue. Producer Anant Singh, who Mandela personally awarded the book rights to, announced the death at the end of the screening, and asked for a moment of silence.
Also at the screening was Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who’s film company is behind the movie. ‘We count ourselves unspeakably fortunate to have been immersed in Nelson Mandela’s story and legacy,’ he said, ‘It’s been an honour to have been granted such proximity to a man who will go down as one of the history’s greatest freedom fighters and advocates for justice. I have had the privilege of spending time with President Mandela and I can say his sense of humour was as great as his optimism.’
Morgan Freeman, who played Mandela in Invictus, joined in the mass of tributes from the entertainment world: ‘Today the world lost one of the true giants of the past century,’ said Freeman.
American actor Dennis Haysbert portrayed Mandela in 2007’s Goodbye Bafana, about the relationship between Mandela and his prison officer. Haysbert said: ‘Portraying Nelson Mandela… was a defining moment in my life and my career. We as a society, have been blessed to live in a time that Nelson Mandela has lived, loved, and led.’
Music producer Quincy Jones said: ‘Today, as it did while he inhabited our planet, Nelson Mandela’s spirit truly soars with the angels.’
-With New Age input
