Pathe International and Distant Horizon have done roaring business on an upcoming Nelson Mandela biopic.

Justin Chadwick’s Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, starring Idris Elba and Naomie Harris, has been sold to:

  • North America (The Weinstein Company)
  • UK (Pathe)
  • France (Pathe)
  • Germany (Senator)
  • Australia (Village Roadshow)
  • Scandinavia (Scanbox)
  • Benelux (Paradiso)
  • Brazil (Vinny Films)
  • Hong Kong (Golden Scene)
  • Israel (Shani)
  • Middle East (Gulf Films)
  • Singapore (Shaw).

Deals with several additional territories are currently in the course of negotiation.

The Weinstein Company has now confirmed that the film will be released in the US on Thanksgiving Weekend.

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his election as President of South Africa. It explores the Mandela unknown to most of the world - the lover of fast cars and women, the boxing enthusiast and playboy, the skilful lawyer and the gun-toting freedom fighter.

Commenting on the sales, Distant Horizon’s Anant Singh said: “We are thrilled that distributors around the world have responded so positively to the film and to its commercial and creative potential.

“The journey to getting the film made has been a long and exciting one, and we are delighted to have found so many partners who share our passion for the little known story of how Mandela became an icon for the world.

“Made with Mandela’s blessing, the film is an apt tribute to a great man who celebrates his 95th birthday this year.”

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