Steve McQueen’s bold adaptation 12 YEARS A SLAVE can now add another string to its bow: in September it is set to become part of the national curriculum in the US. The film follows the story of Solomon Northup, a free man of colour who is tricked into slavery. It is a heartbreaking, no-holds barred look at the reality of slavery and has caught the eye of those in charge of the curriculum.
The National School Boards Association has decided to make the film essential viewing in all state-run schools from September and will also provide copies of the 1853 memoir, written by Northup himself.
The board has partnered with Montel Williams, an American talk show host, who had the following to say on the project:
“When Hollywood is at its best, the power of the movies can be harnessed into a powerful educational tool … This film uniquely highlights a shameful period in American history, and in doing so will evoke in students a desire to not repeat the evils of the past while inspiring them to dream big of a better and brighter future.”
The powerful film – which stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lupita Nyong’o, Brad Pitt and Paul Dano – is up for nine Oscars this weekend and has already won two BAFTAs and a Golden Globe.
Source: The Guardian
