Mandela actor Idris Elba

Mandela actor Idris Elba

'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' will be this year's royal film performance.

The new biopic about former South African leader Nelson Mandela will receive a glitzy red carpet premiere on December 5, with members of the British monarchy in attendance, the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund has confirmed.

The annual royal film performance is a charitable screening which raises funds to support the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund. The organisation provides care and financial support to employees in the film and TV industries who are experiencing hardship, such as bereavement or redundancies.

CTBF president Barry Jenkins said: "We are thrilled to be able to host the royal premiere of this momentous South African/British co-production. We are most grateful to the royal family for their continued support since the very first royal film performance event back in 1946. The funds raised from this event make a huge difference to the lives of industry colleagues and their families in times of great need. Our thanks to Pathé for sharing this opportunity with us."

'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' stars British actor Idris Elba in the lead role of Nelson Mandela.

Britain's Prince William attended last year's royal film performance, 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'.

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