Nelson Mandela’s ex wife, Winnie Mandela (pictured above at an event last week).

According to Variety, production begins May 30 in the South African locations of Johannesburg, Capt Town, and the Transkei and Robben Island where the future president spent 18 of his 27 years in prison.

Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson has signed on to play Winnie Mandela, wife of South Africa’s first black president Nelson Mandela, in a new biopic called Winnie. Here’s the scoop:

Jennifer Hudson is set to star in “Winnie,” a drama that casts her as the former wife of South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela.

Hudson will play Winnie Mandela in a film that begins production May 30 in the South African locations of Johannesburg, Capt Town, Transkei and Robben Island, where the future president spent 18 of his 27 years in prison.

“I was compelled and moved when I read the script,” Hudson said. “Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I’m honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told.”