Channel 4’s Free Nelson Mandela to get special preview and Q&A at Showroom Cinema

The image of Nelson Mandela walking free from prison is one of the most iconic images of the late 20th century.

His release from prison was not just a mark of his freedom but also the final outcome of a long-fought cultural and political battle that signified the end of the oppressive Apartheid era.

The three-part series ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ was commissioned by Channel 4 and is directed by the multi-award winning James Rogan. It has been created with access to those who fought for his freedom and the people at the heart of the anti-Apartheid movement – including some of the world’s biggest music stars and hours of previously unseen material.

James Rogan, Creative Director of Rogan Productions, said: “Making this series has been a highlight of my career. It has been such a privilege to interview so many of the people closest to Nelson Mandela or helped in the fight to free him.

“From the prisoners on Robben Island to the politicians on all sides, we’ll hear from the leaders, the activists and musicians who took up the battle for freedom from the 1960s onwards.

“This is a story we all think we know, but through weaving together personal stories, the historic events and the cultural outcry, a whole different dimension emerges that is often overlooked. It’s an epic story for our time about sacrifice, hope and humanity.”

As part of the evening’s special preview event, a post screening Q&A will take place. Sheffield Central MP Abtisam Mohamed will be hosting this session featuring the director James Rogan, Paul Blomfield (former Sheffield Central MP), and Jerry Dammers (The Specials).

Speaking to The Star ahead of the event, Paul Blomfield shared some insight into why Sheffield was chosen to host the series’ special preview.

“It’s really significant for the city, Sheffield City Council became the first council in the UK to pledge to end all links with Apartheid in 1981,” he said.

“In 1983, Sheffield City Council hosted a national conference, which was attended by representatives from the UN and the Commonwealth to launch Local Authorities Against Apartheid (LAAA), which had secured the support of 120 local councils within two years.

“At the special preview, we’ll also be joined by Jerry Dammers talking about his involvement in the anti-Apartheid cause, as well as the role that music played in challenging the regime.

“Recently there was a staff network in the Town Hall, who persuaded the Council to rededicate the Mandela Room, which is above the main entrance to the Town Hall.

“It was named back in the 80s, and there was a big event with about around two hundred people there to remember why it had been called the Mandela Room – as well as remembering the council’s role in the campaign at that time.

“When Mandela was released, he spoke about the importance of local authority work. Lots of people across the country played a role in this, but Sheffield had a special role.

“It’s nice of Rogan Productions to have picked up on the Sheffield link, it’s a story worth telling.”

Free Nelson Mandela - Preview + Q&A will take place at the Showroom Cinema on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:30pm

Find out more and book tickets here: https://showroomcinema.org.uk/film/free-nelson-mandela-preview-qa