Advertisement Columban MissionariesColumban Missionaries Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Behind the scenes: Remembering Mandela


Catholic aid agency CAFOD hosted a special screening of the BAFTA-nominated film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, for over 100 of its young supporters, at The May Fair Hotel last week. The screening was followed by an exclusive Q&A session with the film’s award-winning director, Justin Chadwick. During the evening, Justin spoke about spending time with Mandela and his friends and family, the responsibility of making the film and his desire to place the relationship between Mandela and his wife Winnie firmly at the centre of the story.

Following the event, film director Justin Chadwick said: “Mandela’s spirit, his way of living life, continues to inspire people to stand up for justice. It is important that we remember Mandela, and the incredible impact he had on this world. It has been wonderful to celebrate him with CAFOD.”

Emma Bulmer who attended Behind the Scenes: Remembering Mandela, said: “This was a fantastic evening. It provided the chance to reflect upon how unfaltering commitment to helping others can lead to great social change. Thanks to CAFOD for organising such a thought provoking and encouraging event.”

One year on from his death, the Behind the Scenes: Remembering Mandela event was an opportunity for CAFOD’s younger supporters to explore Mandela’s commitment to freedom and peace as well as some of the key issues of developmental and social justice which underpin the charity’s work.

Matthew Sanderson, CAFOD’s Young Adults’ Coordinator, said: “This event highlighted how Mandela’s legacy is an inspiration to young adults. Mandela stood up for justice, at a great personal cost, and it was wonderful to see so many young adults remembering such a remarkable figure. At CAFOD we are developing ways in which our younger supporters can practically follow Mandela’s example in their lives today and bring about a just world.”

CAFOD works with children, young people and young adults in England and Wales to deepen their understanding of the causes of global poverty and injustice, and offers ways to take action to bring about a just and sustainable world.

Justin Chadwick is an award-winning British theatre, television and film director, most recently directing the BAFTA-nominated Nelson Mandela biopic, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, starring Idris Elba and Naomie Harris.

Coming from a background in acting, Justin made his directorial debut in theatre with award-winning productions such as Moliere's Hypochondriac at the Assembly Rooms during the Edinburgh Festival, leading to his television debut in 1993, Family Style, a television movie starring Ewan McGregor. He then directed episodes of Eastenders, Byker Grove, The Bill, Spooks, and set up two television series: Red Cap and Murder Prevention. Justin's biggest television success to date was Bleak House, a miniseries he initiated, and of which he directed nine of fifteen episodes. The programme won the Best Drama Serial award at the British Academy Television Awards in 2006.

Justin's first feature film was the highly acclaimed The Other Boleyn Girl starring Eric Bana, Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson. He then directed The First Grader, produced by Origin Pictures for BBC Films and the UK Film Council, starring Naomie Harris. Justin went on to direct the 2011 BAFTA-nominated Stolen for BBC, starring Damien Lewis, and the short film Boy, starring Timothy Spall, for the 2012 London Olympics.

Justin is currently directing Tulip Fever, a feature film adapted by Sir Tom Stoppard, starring Christoph Waltz, Dane DeHaan and Judi Dench, for The Weinstein Company and Ruby Films.

Adverts

Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon