Long Walk to Freedom, the upcoming Nelson Mandala biopic based on Mandela's 1994 autobiography, gives a detailed account of the brave South African's life as a lawyer, activist, prisoner and president. The film stars the attractive British actors Idris Elba and Naomie Harris.

Directed by Justin Chadwick and scripted by William Nicholson, Long Walk to Freedom released its official trailer on the 95th birthday of the great former South African leader who fought against apartheid and was incarcerated for 27 years on Robben Island.

The film is a coming of age tale, which begins in Mandela's early years and chronicles his life through nearly three decades in prison and a presidency that was spent rebuilding and integrating a severely segregated country.

Segments of the film screened for the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate 'Nelson Mandela International Days'. Political talent made appearances, which included Jessie Jackson, Harry Belafonte, Bill Clinton and Ban ki-moon. Mandela couldn't attend the celebration, however, due to the fact that he has been ill in the hospital.

Elba, who portrays Mandela in the film, has a lengthy number of highly acclaimed films and television appearances in his history. Thor, Prometheus, Pacific Rim, The Wire, The Office and Luther are the names of only a few of his most prominent projects. Naomie Harris, who will play Elba's opposite as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, has quite a bit of notable titles under her belt as well. She has appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean series, Ninja Assassin, and Skyfall.

Though Elba admits to looking nothing like the South African hero, and hasn't gotten an opportunity to meet him because of his illness, it is said that the British stud gave his career performance in the film.

Long Walk to Freedom will be in theaters on January 3, 2014.