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CANNES — Pathe International and Distant Horizon have struck a slew of international sales deals for Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, starring Idris Elba and Naomie Harris.
The Weinstein Company previously said it would distribute the film, which is expected to get an awards season push, from Justin Chadwick in North America.
Latest sales will bring the film to the U.K. and France via Pathe, Germany (Senator), Australia (Village Roadshow), Scandinavia (Scanbox), the Benelux countries (Paradiso), Brazil (Vinny Films), Hong Kong (Golden Scene), Israel (Shani), the Middle East (Gulf Films) and Singapore (Shaw).
Deals with several additional territories are currently being negotiated.
At an event in Cannes this weekend, The Weinstein Company announced a Thanksgiving weekend release in the U.S.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is based on Mandela’s autobiography. It traces the freedom fighter’s journey from childhood 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 skillful lawyer and the gun-toting freedom fighter,” according to a description of the film.
Said producer Anant Singh: “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.”
Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com
Twitter: @georgszalai
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