Nelson Mandela has passed away, 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' honors his life

Nelson Mandela has passed away at age 95, Deadline.com reported. The political activist was anti-apartheid in South Africa and ended up serving as the first black President for the country, for five years until 1999. Mandela had health issues for some time and was hospitalized this summer for a lung infection. His family was with him in Johannesburg earlier today. 

After 27 long years imprisoned in South Africa, Mandela helped to end apartheid upon his release and ended up receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. 

Last week the biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom broke South African box office records, according to CBC News. This film is a British-South African collaboration that opened last week in South Africa, then in select theaters in New York City and Los Angeles. Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge, Kate, are attending the premiere in the U.K. at the Royal Film Performance. The film stars Idris Elba and originally premiered at the Toronto Film Festival early this fall. It will officially open in Canada on Christmas Day.

The film begins in his early rural childhood and takes the viewer through his personal and professional life. Producer Anant Singh has witnessed moviegoers having a very emotional response to the film. You can witness the trailer for yourself.

Mandela's family recently talked with the South African Broadcasting Corporation. His grandson, Ndaba Mandela said, "He is still with us although he is not doing well in bed."

Though his death may have been expected, the timely release of the film will serve as some solace and tribute to the immense impact Mandela has had on his own country and peace efforts worldwide. 

As a large pop icon as well, there will be an outpouring of emotion from figures around the world, from entertainment to politics. We will be looking out for responses from Bill Clinton, Bono and others who had close ties to Mandela.