Cry Freedom (1987)

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I was passionately opposed to apartheid, to any form of racial intolerance, and I attempted several times to find a subject on South Africa. Then I was introduced to Donald Woods, who had escaped from South Africa and chronicled the history of one of the great black South Africans, Steve Biko.

Sheila and I got to know Oliver Tambo, who was Nelson Mandela's law partner and the head of the African National Congress, whilst Nelson was in prison. We also went to see Winnie Mandela, who at that time was a great heroine. We were being tailed by the South African secret police and they had filmed my interview with Winnie, in which I explained that the reason I was in South Africa was because I wanted to make this film. At one point I had said I wanted to start shooting in October, and the SABC news that night stated that I was a communist sponsored by Russia and was planning to start a revolution in October. Following this broadcast on national television, the black cars surrounded the house we were staying in almost at once. Our host told us we should get out of the country, as these people were dangerous. So we went to the airport and the black cars followed, bumping the rear of our car all the way.

But we made the picture anyway, in Zimbabwe. I insisted Mandela, who was on Robin Island, must be asked whether he approved of a story which did not laud the black activist but lauded a partnership, a duo, of conviction - a black man and a white man. His answer was that if we couldn't manage a partnership between white and black, there is no future for South Africa and that I should please make it the subject of my film.

After seeing Denzel Washington in an episode of St. Elsewhere, we brought him to New York for an audition. I first saw him standing with his elbow on the mantelpiece of my room. I thought he had exactly the dignity needed to play the part of this remarkable man. Penelope Wilton is one of the best actresses in the world. She has done some magical work but nothing to surpass her portrayal of Wendy Woods.

Lord Attenborough

"I think the thing I remember most about working with Richard was his capacity to include us all. In my experience he is a director who collaborates, encourages you to join the journey he's on and infects you with his energy and love for what he wants to achieve"

Penelope Wilton Actress, Wendy Woods, Cry Freedom