The feature documentary focuses on newly rediscovered audio interviews with former South African President Nelson Mandela.
“Troublemaker: The Story Behind the Mandela Tapes” (tentative title) is a work by director Antoine Fuqua (58), who has directed action films such as “King Arthur,” “Olympus Has Fallen,” and the “Equalizer” series. is.
Mr. Fuqua also directed the documentary “What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali,” about the boxer, and “American Dream/American Nightmare,” about music executive Marion “Suzi” Knight Jr. said he had “admired” Mandela all his life.
“For decades, Mandela and his comrades were kept in the most inhumane conditions imaginable,” he added.
“Yet they came out of prison with love and forgiveness in their hearts, and instead of seeking revenge, they sought to unite the country.
“His compassion and inner strength enabled Mandela to effect meaningful change.
“This film explores how Mandela survived his challenges while retaining his humanity, revealing the tough and savvy politician behind his iconic nice-guy persona.”
Mac Maharaj, who resisted apartheid in South Africa as a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and was in Robben Island prison with human rights activist Mandela, is the executive producer.
He copied Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, smuggled it out of prison and served as transport minister in his government.
Maharaj, who was Jacob Zuma’s spokesperson when he was president of South Africa, said Mandela’s “decades of struggle and sacrifice for freedom, equality and justice are told in an authentic, complex and revelatory way.” He said he was eager to be able to do so.
“This is a story that matters to humanity today more than ever. We are thrilled that a director of Antoine Fuqua’s skill, creativity and integrity has taken on this difficult task.” he added.
The project is being financed by Lawton Entertainment, which produced Apple TV+’s Boom! film James Blunt: One Brit Wonder. Boom!: The World Vs Boris Becker and his Disney+ documentary series “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story” began in South Africa last year.
Fuqua filmed interviews with former Mandela activists and several of the country’s “key figures.”
The film will show Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years, as a “tough revolutionary and complex human being” and “his almost supernatural capacity for reconciliation and forgiveness.”
South African Gordon Metz, Hipster Media’s Marcus Davis, and Zig Zag Productions’ Matt Graf and Danny Fenton are also executive producers.
Mandela was released from prison in 1990 and built a new democratic South Africa by promoting forgiveness and reconciliation before becoming president in 1994 after South Africa’s first all-race democratic elections.
He died in 2013 at the age of 95, and his memorial service at the stadium was attended by then-US President Barack Obama.
“At a time of political uncertainty and anxiety around the world, this film reignites the influence of a truly great leader and humbles us all,” said Lawton Entertainment producers Arthur Landon and Mark Bauk. “It aims to show how a determined lawyer became one of our greatest leaders.” historical politician.
“We are thrilled to partner with Antoine, who has a great vision to show the world a side of Mandela that has never been seen before, and Mac Maharaj, a true South African icon who fought alongside Mandela. We’re lucky and excited about it. It’s a unique resource.”