AUSTRALIA HONOURS NELSON MANDELA’S

90TH BIRTHDAY WITH A UNIQUE GIFT

Melbourne, Australia 

Nelson Mandela will be 90 years old on Friday, 18th July, and Australia will be honouring him with a Life Story on Film™.  This short, personalised documentary will feature interviews with and comment from a broad range of Australians, including prominent figures such as Malcolm Fraser, Cathy Freeman, Gail Kelly and Jeff McMullen.  It is a gift from the Australian office of the charity, MaAfrika Tikkun, of which Mr Mandela is Chief Patron.  The film will be meaningful and uplifting, an account of inspiration and shared experiences.  It is intended to be a touching gift and a lasting tribute to Mr Mandela.

From anti-apartheid activists in the ’70s and ’80s to today’s western-suburbs teenagers, Nelson Mandela has inspired generations of Australians.  Those who know him personally are deeply affected by his warmth, compassion and humility.  This influential man is also chief patron of the leading South African charity, MaAfrika Tikkun, which he has supported since first becoming president of his country in 1994.  This film is a gift conceived by MaAfrika Tikkun Australia, and created by Life Story on Film.  It will be personally presented to Mr Mandela by Mr Philip Green OAM, Australian High Commissioner to South Africa.

Renée Caneva, Managing Director of Life Story on Film, commented, “We are honoured to have this opportunity to create a film celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela and his influence in Australia.  We are interviewing over 30 Australians, including people of all ages and from all walks of life.  We are also delighted to support MaAfrika Tikkun, a charity that does amazing work transforming the lives of the most vulnerable South Africans.”
 
Gael Seymore, CEO of MaAfrika Tikkun Australia, added, “We wanted to give Mr Mandela a gift that would be truly memorable, that would express the deep affection and respect that so many Australians feel for him.  We also wanted to give him something he would really enjoy.  The film will be full of anecdotes from people Mr Mandela has known, and reflections from young people he has inspired.  This project has been a tremendously exciting collaboration for us all.”
 

 
 
About MaAfrika Tikkun
 
MaAfrika Tikkun (which means ‘Transformation of Mother Africa’) was established in 1994.  Its mission is to empower disadvantaged communities in South Africa to transform their lives. This is achieved through focus on orphaned and vulnerable children affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and youth and the elderly in poverty-stricken townships.
 
“The Tikkun projects demonstrate in a practical and sustainable manner what can be done by limited resources, great commitment and passion,” says Nelson Mandela.
 
“The challenge to reach all the disadvantaged people of South Africa remains a paramount one.  We need all the resources, both human and financial to address these challenging tasks.  It is my belief that Tikkun represents the best of what civil society can offer in partnership with Government’s considerable effort.”
 
For more information see www.maafrikatikkun.org.za
 
About Life Story on Film
 
Life Story on Film creates documentary films that celebrate life.  With TV-grade equipment and an award-winning director, the company makes 5- to 90-minute films for private clients.  Life Story on Film takes pride in creating a fully personalised product of the very highest quality.
 
Life Story on Film is the trading name of Film & Events (Australia) Pty Ltd in Australia, and of Film & Events (UK) Ltd in the UK.  The company’s offices are in Melbourne and London.
 
For more information see www.lifestoryonfilm.com
 
Contacts:

Watch the Nelson Mandela Tribute Trailer.