Terry Pheto on Mandela film

The film features Hollywood stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris and a host of local talent, including Tony Kgoroge, Riaad Moosa, Jamie Bartlett and Terry Pheto.

Drum recently caught up with two of the local stars at a recent screening of the film.

Tony Kgoroge plays Walter Sisulu and Terry Pheto plays Mandela’s first wife Evelyn. The two talked about working with director Justin Chadwick and the overall production process.

“I was honoured to work with acclaimed British director Justin Chadwick,” said Terry.

“I was very impressed with the care Justin took with the movie because he wanted to give South Africans a film they can be really proud of.” She added.

Tony agreed wholeheartedly. “Justin is one of those directors who has a way with actors – I think it’s because he was an actor before he became a director.”

As for the depicting Mandela’s life, the actors approached the project with sensitivity.

“As a South African it’s very important to realise how revered our country, and particularly Nelson Mandela, is.” Terry explains.

“When you get to tell a story about someone like him you have to approach it very carefully and with so much responsibility and sensitivity” she adds.

– TeamTalk