OSCAR-WINNING Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein has chosen to hold the Australian premiere of the upcoming biographical movie “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” in Canberra.

Directed by Justin Chadwick and based on Nelson Mandela’s autobiographical book of the same name, which was published in 1994, the new film stars Idris Elba as the man himself and Naomie Harris as his wife Winnie.

The script was written by William Nicholson, whose credits include “Gladiator” and “Les Miserables”, and the soundtrack features a new song by U2.

Its premiere in Canberra at Palace Electric cinema will be the first “Body of Work” event, a weekend-long celebration of the legendary producer attached to the Canberra International Film Festival, and the screening will be introduced by ABC television’s well-known film critic Margaret Pomeranz.

“We are delighted to honour and host Mr Weinstein in Canberra next month at the inaugural Body of Work event, and excited to be able to screen the Australian premiere of such an important film,” says Body of Work director Nicole Mitchell. “This is another nod to Canberra’s important role in the Australian film industry.”

Ms Mitchell says when the film was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival recently, “it received a standing ovation and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house”.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom will screen at Palace Electric at 4.45pm on Sunday, November 24. Tickets include entry to the “Body of Work After Party” More information at palacecinemas.com.au/cinemas/electric