A+E Acquires Rights to Idris Elba's 'Mandela, My Dad, and Me'

Idris Elba’s life, his relationship with his late father, and his preparation for playing Nelson Mandela in "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom," are all at the center of a new documentary the actor has produced via his Green Door Pictures production company, and A+E Networks has announced that it has acquired exclusive television rights to the film, which is titled "Idris Elba: Mandela, My Dad, and Me."

The 60-minute film, directed by BAFTA-winning director Daniel Vernon, follows the "Luther" star on a "journey of self-exploration," says the press release, from his time in South Africa to film "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom," the recording of the album based on his research for the role, and dealing with the death of his father. 

Nicholas Yearwood from Green Door Pictures said: "Green Door Pictures are delighted with the results of almost a year of filming. Daniel Vernon’s film perfectly captures Idris’s personal and professional challenges, whilst he tackled arguably the most iconic and important role of his career."

A limited theatrical release is planned for "Mandela, My Dad and Me" in London. No word on a USA theatrical run yet.

A+E’s announcement doesn’t come with a specific air date, and no trailer yet; but, last month, Elba took the film to MIPTV – the world’s most-established TV and digital content market, in Cannes, France. There he screened it for international buyers.