Nelson Mandela

Homage is paid to former South African President Nelson Mandela in this iconographic-animated adaptation of author and illustrator Kadir Nelson's 2013 richly detailed picture book. Narrated by Forest Whitaker, Nelson Mandela offers a concentrated look at the life of Mandela from his days as a barefoot youngster on the grassy village hills of Qunu, to his being educated in Johannesburg towards a law career, to his first arrest for speaking out against apartheid, and on through his long incarceration, and ultimate vindication. Contrasting Mandela's quest for freedom with his bountiful country being overrun by European settlement (“…slowly, the people were conquered”), this timely biographical short—animated by Cha-Pow! and featuring music by Ernest Troost—includes a bonus interview with the author. Highly recommended. Aud: E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)