Roots is not the only story of slavery. Among others is the 2013 Steve McQueen directed film, 12 Years a Slave, based on Solomon Northup’s memoir, Twelve Years a Slave.
12 Years a Slave tells the story of how Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free man, was kidnapped and sold into slavery. It chronicles the twelve years he was enslaved as he worked to secure his freedom to get to his family. He faced almost being lynched, a sadistic master, and being traded around like players on a waiver wire, but it didn’t break his resolve.
12 Years a Slave was a critical and financial success. It was on numerous “Best of” lists and won plenty of of awards including Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress for Lupita Nyong’o, Best Adapted Screenplay for John Ridley, and Best Picture. It is available here.
