JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 11(Xinhua) -- South African film producer Anant Singh, who has made several films about former South African president Nelson Mandela, paid tribute to the icon on Thursday as the country celebrated the 20th anniversary of Mandela's release from prison.

Singh said he would distribute a feature length film on Mandela's life at the opening of the South African Parliament in Cape Town on Thursday.

The film, Viva Madiba: A Hero For All Seasons, will be handed out as a commemorative gift to people who attend the opening of Parliament.

"Today is a very special day for all South Africans, and probably more significant than the day of Madiba's release as it marks 20 years of his emancipation from incarceration," said Singh in a media statement.

"The most significant aspect of it is that he is with us today and is able to celebrate this day with the entire nation."

Singh said he was honored to have been able to communicate with Madiba (Mandela's clan name) while he was in prison and to have been chosen to produce films on the former president's life.