New documentary about Nelson Mandela

In February, it will be 35 years since the South African politician and freedom fighter Nelson Mandela, as a free man, could leave Victor Verster prison outside Cape Town.

Now, his life will be portrayed in a new documentary series produced by British Channel 4, reports Deadline. Behind the three-part "Free Nelson Mandela" stands director James Rogan, who is also behind the documentary "The Story of Abba" that came earlier this year.

This is an epic tale for our time about sacrifice, hope, and humanity. It's a story that we all think we know, but by weaving together personal stories, historical events, and the cultural aspect, a dimension that is often overlooked emerges, he says.

Nelson Mandela, who passed away in 2013, was imprisoned for 27 years, of which 18 years were on Robben Island. He became an important symbol for the fight against apartheid both within and outside South Africa and was later the President of South Africa between 1994 and 1999, the first president elected in democratic elections with voting rights for the entire population.