Producers of Winnie Mandela: The Untold Story should accept that the film is jinxed.
[full]Just as they were hoping for a controversy-free lead-up to the March 7 release (filming began as long ago as April 2010) at Ster-Kinekor cinemas, its subject once again distanced herself from it.
And there have been the unflattering reviews overseas.
In a statement yesterday, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela dismissed speculation that she had reservations about Jennifer Hudson (Winnie) and Terence Howard (Nelson Mandela).
However, despite trying to allow “the creative process to occur organically”, she suggests nobody knows her version of events better than she does.
“Unlike Long Walk To Freedom,” said Madikizela-Mandela, “this film is based on an unauthorised biography. [The] producers did not deem it fit to consult me or my family. My family and I are, therefore, not associated with this production.”
The Darrell Roodt-directed biopic is based on Marie du Preez Bezdrob’s biography Winnie Mandela: A Life, which covers her development from privileged child to dedicated social worker, wife, mother and activist. The book also investigates the allegations of kidnapping, murder and fraud against her, and her divorce from Mandela.
An incomplete version of the film made its world premiere at the 2011 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, and was immediately slated by the international press.
Countless changes have been made since then, including TD Jakes coming on board to help develop a marketing and distribution strategy.
Producers are hosting a pre-screening at Cinema Nouveau at Rosebank Mall tonight.
Co-producer Andre Pieterse would not comment yesterday on whether Madikizela-Mandela’s remarks would reflect on the film’s credibility and what effect the unfavourable reviews and delays would have.
Roodt could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Madikizela-Mandela told CNN in 2011: “I have absolutely nothing against Jennifer, but I have everything against the movie itself. I am still alive, and I think it is total disrespect to come to South Africa, make a movie about my struggle, and call that . some translation of a romantic life of Winnie.”
International reviews:
The Guardian, UK: “This syrupy biography of the former wife of Nelson Mandela seeks to sugar-coat South Africa’s complex history.”
Washington Post: “It’s slight and episodic, with a weirdly scrupulous ambivalence about its subject, whom it seems torn between loving and loathing.”
New York Times: “It wants to do the impossible and tell its subject’s story while de-emphasising the negative to sustain inspirational momentum.”
Source: Timeslive[/full]
Iyo its bad for Winnie