’12 Years a Slave’: Trailer for Oscar contender starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard hits web
theGRIO REPORT - The trailer for Steve McQueen's star-studded slave drama 12 Years a Slave has just been released online.
The trailer for Steve McQueen’s star-studded slave drama 12 Years a Slave has just been released online.
The film is based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man that was abducted in the North during early 1840s and sold into slavery.
Northup, played by Chiwetel Ejofor (star of Kinky Boots), fights for his survival in pre-Civil War America.
“I don’t want to survive, I want to live,” says Northup in a powerful scene.
His character struggles throughout the movie to abandon the mentality that he had as a free man and adopt one that helps him endure the oppression of slavery.
During his struggles with a menacing slave owner, Northup meets an abolitionist, played by Brad Pitt, who changes his perspective in a major way.
Director Steve McQueen is an acclaimed black British filmmaker who directed two other critically acclaimed movies (including the award-winning Shame) before taking on this story.
12 Years a Slave features performances from A-list actors such as Pitt, Alfre Woodard, Paul Giammati and Michael Fassbender.
The film opens in theaters on October 8th and is already generating Oscar buzz.
