Antoine Fuqua will reportedly direct a documentary chronicling the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. The film’s tentatively titled Troublemaker: The Story Behind the Mandela Tapes and will use newly discovered audio from Mandela to craft an “honest, accurate and definitive depiction” of the South African President.
“Using recently discovered audio interviews of Mandela intimately recounting his life experiences, as well as the personal reflections and insights of Maharaj, the film will reveal the forces that shaped the global icon that is Nelson Mandela,” the film’s synopsis reads.
“Jailed for 27 years, this pioneering activist lawyer turned freedom fighter walked from prison into a country on the brink of a violent racial conflagration to become the first democratically elected president of South Africa.”
Not only will Fuqua direct the film, but he will also executive produce the project alongside Mandela’s close friend and former cellmate Mac Maharaj. Maharaj previously worked with Mandela to transcribe his autobiography. He was also the first post-apartheid Minister of Transport during the Mandela administration.
“I have longed to see the story of Nelson Mandela, and his decades long fight and sacrifice for freedom, equality and justice told in an authentic, complex and revelatory way,” Maharaj said.
“It is a story that is more relevant to humanity today, than ever. I am thrilled that a director of Antoine Fuqua’s skill, creativity, and integrity has agreed to take on this challenging task.”
