Director Antoine Fuqua’s latest documentary, “Troublemaker”—a nod to Nelson Mandela’s birth name, Rolihlahla, in Xhosa—is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. In an interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, Fuqua shared his motivation for telling Mandela’s story, emphasizing its timeless relevance and universal lessons in leadership, peace, and resilience. Fuqua described Mandela’s journey as personally significant, comparing its impact to the life story of Muhammad Ali.

A Multi-Layered Approach to History

Fuqua’s approach to “Troublemaker” prioritizes authenticity, weaving together Mandela’s own recordings from interviews with journalist Richard Stengel, archival footage, painter Thabang Lehobye’s animation, and personal testimonies.

Research included travel to South Africa, visiting pivotal locations such as Robben Island, where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison, and his childhood village of Qunu.

Mac Maharaj, Mandela’s close friend and fellow anti-apartheid activist, served as a crucial guide, providing Fuqua with deep insights into Mandela’s life and struggles.

A particular challenge was the “erased” 27 years of Mandela’s imprisonment, for which almost no visual records exist.

To bridge this gap, Fuqua incorporated animation and is experimenting with A.I. technology to recreate Robben Island, aiming for a cinematic yet historically faithful depiction of Mandela’s experiences.

Exploring Mandela’s Transformation

The documentary also delves into the complexities of Mandela’s path, including his early belief that violence might be necessary in the fight against apartheid.

Fuqua highlights Mandela’s transformation during imprisonment, showing how communication, understanding, and peace became the pillars of his leadership.

Encounters with activists who endured immense suffering, like one man who lost an arm and an eye in a car bomb, informed Fuqua’s understanding of resilience, hope, and the triumph of justice over bitterness.

Fuqua chose Sundance for the premiere to honor the festival’s spirit and the legacy of Robert Redford, who collaborated on The Long Walk to Freedom.

Sold-out screenings underscore the enduring public fascination with Mandela’s life and message.

Beyond “Troublemaker,” Fuqua also teased his Michael Jackson documentary and a potential Netflix war epic with Denzel Washington, rumored to focus on Hannibal.