Winnie Mandela: A Life, the South Africa-Canada coproduction starring Jennifer Hudson as the controversial ex-wife of Nelson Mandela, is finally getting a U.S. release.

Image Entertainment in Cannes said it acquired the U.S. rights to the homegrown film, which screened as Winnie at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival in a gala slot.

The $15 million Winnie Mandela pic by director Darrell J. Roodt is produced by Michael Mosca of Equinoxe Films and André Pieterse of Ma-Afrika Films.

The movie, which also stars Terrence Howard, will be released stateside by Image in fall 2013.

“Both Jennifer Hudson (as Winnie) and Terrence Howard (as Nelson Mandela) deliver exceptional, solid performances,” said Bill Bromiley, chief acquisitions officer for Image, in a statement.

“We are honoured to distribute the film and give audiences the opportunity to see Winnie Mandela’s powerful story,” he added.