Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network has acquired the broadcast rights to the Nelson Mandela biopic, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
The film chronicles the life of the late South African leader’s education, struggles and imprisonment before taking on presidency and rebuilding the country. British stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris portray Mandela and his wife, Winnie Mandela, in the film.
“We couldn’t be more honored to showcase this powerful film to the OWN viewers. Nelson Mandela was Oprah’s hero, and ultimately, the inspiration behind Oprah’s school in South Africa,” said OWN president Erik Logan. “His story of forgiveness and redemption is a gift not only to the people he touched, but to the world.”
The movie has brought in $4.7 million at the box office since opening in November and Elba has earned a Golden Globe nomination for best actor for his performance in the film.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom will premiere on the OWN network in 2017.