Zig Zag & Hipster Media Pact for Nelson Mandela Doc

U.K.-based Zig Zag Productions and South Africa’s Hipster Media are co-developing a landmark documentary project based on the audio recordings for Nelson Mandela’s best-selling autobiography Long Walk to Freedom.

The documentary project (1×90 min./ 3×60 min.), titled The Mandela Tapes, uses these unique voice recordings as the editorial frame, together with stunning archival images and footage, to explore Mandela the man, husband, father, leader, soldier, comrade, political prisoner and world statesman. The production coincides with the 30th anniversary of Mandela’s release from Robben Island.

The project to record Mandela’s memories and inner-most thoughts began in 1991, a year after he was released from prison, in the tumultuous era that marked the end of apartheid and the birth of a democratic South Africa. In over 15 hours of audiotape, Mandela provides, in his own words, unique insight into his remarkable life’s journey, from a child born in the rural Transkei to becoming a colossus on the world stage.

“The Mandela Tapes is a unique opportunity to retell the story of one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures in a remarkably intimate way,” said Danny Fenton, chief executive officer at Zig Zag Productions.

“In an increasingly divided world, Mandela’s words and deeds are more relevant today than ever before,” said Markus Davies, chief executive officer of Hipster Media. “The production will bring a message of hope for humanity facing an uncertain future. We are proud to produce this documentary with Zig Zag.”