Actor Jennifer Hudson to star as Winnie Mandela-ex wife of former South African President Nelson Mandela

Movie goers may have the opportunity to see Ms Jennifer Hudson starting in the screenplay "Winnie" written by Annie Marie Perez Besdrob. Ms Hudson will play the leading role of ex-wife [former]South African President Nelson Mandela. However, there is trouble brewing with the making of the film. Ms Winne Madikizela Mandela has asked film maker and producer Andre Pieterse to see the play script and to get her approval, but its sponsors have refused.

A lawyer's letter was sent to Mr. Pieterse [although benign] indicates a threat of an indictment that could stop the film from being produced. The letter stated that "She [Winne Madikizela Mandela] would like to see the script and approve [but] the film will be made on a screenplay that was thoroughly researched. Winnie Mandela warned "If the film malign her in anyway then there will be legal basis for to take action." Dr. Darrel Roodt believes that she [Winne Mandela] would approve the film as it is an amazing 'love story" of Winnie and Nelson Mandela. Although the sponsors refused to let her see the screenplay, it is suggested to first get approval before shooting the film to avoid complications.

And undoubtedly, this would be a plus for Ms Hudson to play the role, it would be equally a plus for her to work with Winne Mandela as she would be able to observe Winnie's mannerism and authentic character in her [Ms Hudson's] performance.

Critics of the South African acting community, the Creative Workers Union are opposing a U. S. actress, Jennifer Hudson to play the leading role of Winnie Mandela. Some say that using foreign actors to tell the country's stories undermines the efforts to develop a national film industry. Mabutho Sithole contends " It can't happen that we want to develop our own Hollywood, and yet we keep bringing in imports."

Like the U. S., South Africa has also suffered lost of job during a recession that has made a negative impact on its nation's film industry. It is reported by Oupa Leboga, the union's secretary general "There's a lot of good local talent, Why not use them? Winnie herself is not involved in this, and in no way has given any sort of green light."