An Oral History: Unveiling the Truth of ‘12 Years a Slave’

“So, what do you want to do next?” The question loomed over director Steve McQueen’s initial visit to Hollywood in late summer 2008. His debut film, “Hunger,” which captivated audiences at Cannes and won the best first feature prize, had generated excitement among executives and producers eager to support a promising new talent. McQueen had originally considered exploring the lives of historical figures like Paul Robeson or Fela Kuti, but after his meetings in Hollywood, he decided to make a film about slavery. He was inspired by the astonished reactions of people who had assumed he was not black based on his previous work. McQueen believed that this assumption and the lack of awareness about the ongoing impacts of slavery reflected deep-seated and unexamined prejudices. His desire was to hold people accountable and shed light on the history of slavery in America.

“12 Years a Slave,” McQueen’s wake-up call, was released ten years ago and starred Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong’o. The film, based on the real-life autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped and enslaved, garnered critical acclaim and grossed nearly $190 million worldwide. It won three Oscars, including Best Picture, making it the first film directed by a black director to achieve this honor. “12 Years a Slave” shattered the belief that black films could not succeed and paved the way for other notable black films like “Selma” and “Moonlight.”

The journey of “12 Years a Slave” from an idea to an unstoppable force was made possible by the faith of an esteemed filmmaker and a group of producers who supported his vision. The film was shot under challenging conditions in New Orleans, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees. The production team faced storms, collapsed sets, and even a lightning strike that temporarily halted filming. One of the most difficult scenes to shoot involved the whipping of Patsey, played by Lupita Nyong’o, by plantation owner Edwin Epps, played by Michael Fassbender. The scene was filmed in a single continuous shot to ensure the audience would be confronted with the brutal reality of slavery.

After its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in 2013, “12 Years a Slave” received critical acclaim and quickly became an Oscar contender. However, during a news conference at the Toronto International Film Festival, the uncomfortable moderator repeatedly emphasized the harshness and difficulty of the film. Despite this, the film successfully shed light on the horrors of slavery and the ongoing impacts of dehumanization and oppression.

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