South Africans honoured as Mandela film released

'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' does exactly what it says on the tin, chronicling Nelson Mandela's life from his childhood through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. The film has played at numerous film festivals, where it's received mixed reviews. However, most agree that Idris Elba's portrayal of Mandela is the strongest element of the movie. On November 28th the film faced its toughest critics - the South African public - when it opened there in cinemas. SOUNDBITE local resident Seedat Tahera (English) saying: "It was an extremely a warm, emotional experience for me. I grew up in the street of Alexandra township and for me every step that Mr Mandela took, it was as if I was taking that step again." SOUNDBITE local resident Rehana Shaik (English) saying: "It's extraordinary every South African should watch this, you have no excuse." SOUNDBITE local resident Hafeeza Mayet (English) saying: