Last year, we spoke to what appeared to be BET’s plans to invest in more weighty, scripted, original programming, as well as it’s embracing of international co-productions like in the case of its acclaimed miniseries “The Book of Negroes.”
Up next in that realm is “Madiba,” a three-part saga telling the “definitive story” of Nelson Mandela, that will air February 1st, 8th and 15, 2017 on the network. “Madiba” will be the cornerstone of BET’s Black History Month programming. Emmy award-winning and Oscar-nominated actor, playwright, director, and producer Laurence Fishburne stars as Nelson Mandela. Orlando Jones (Oliver Tambo), David Harewood (Walter Sisulu), and Terry Pheto (Winnie Mandela) are co-starring.
Per BET, “Madiba,” based on two Mandela autobiographies, “Conversations with Myself” and “Nelson Mandela by Himself,” tells the most personal and comprehensive story of Mandela’s life, focusing on the man, and his innermost thoughts and fears as he fought and sacrificed for freedom to become an international icon. While many recognize Mandela as the face of the Anti-Apartheid Movement, this mini-series also pays homage to the many lesser known men and women who sacrificed and suffered alongside him in South Africa’s quest for freedom.
The series was filmed exclusively in South Africa and on Robben Island, and along with detailing the early years of Mandela’s personal journey, “Madiba” also reveals the behind-the-scenes strategizing and bold organizing tactics he and his collaborators used to bring attention to their movement both domestically and internationally.
The six-hour mini-series is produced and financed by Blue Ice Pictures, and Out of Africa Entertainment Production in association with Cinema Gypsy Productions and executive produced by Blue Ice Pictures’ president, Lance Samuels.
The film is directed by Kevin Hooks (“Passenger 57,” “Prison Break”) from a script written by Paul Webb (“Selma”), Jane Maggs (“The Offering,” “To the Teeth”) Janine Eser, Avie Luthra (“Lucky”) and Kathleen McGhee-Anderson (“The Fosters,” “Lincoln Heights,” “Touched by an Angel”).
Tonight at the Paley Media Center in New York City, attendees will be treated to a preview of the upcoming mini-series followed by a Q&A with the stars and director including: Laurence Fishburne, Orlando Jones and Kevin Hooks, moderated by Nekesa Moody, Global Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor for the Associated Press. Ahead of the event, a new clip from “Madiba” has been released and is embedded below, followed by more images:
