12 YEARS A SLAVE – In Theaters October 18
12 YEARS A SLAVE is based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender) as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) forever alters his life.
12 YEARS A SLAVE stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (TALK TO ME), Michael Fassbender (SHAME), Benedict Cumberbatch (STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS), Paul Dano (LOOPER), Garret Dillahunt (NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN), Paul Giamatti (WIN WIN), Scoot McNairy (ARGO), Lupita Nyong’o, Adepero Oduye (PARIAH), Sarah Paulson (MUD), Brad Pitt (WORLD WAR Z), Michael Kenneth Williams (“Boardwalk Empire”), Alfre Woodard (“Steel Magnolias”), Chris Chalk (“Newsroom”), Taran Killam (THE HEAT), Bill Camp (LINCOLN).
The film is directed by Steve McQueen (HUNGER) and written by John Ridley (RED TAILS). Producers are Brad Pitt (MONEYBALL), Dede Gardner (EAT, PRAY, LOVE), Jeremy Kleiner (WORLD WAR Z), Bill Pohlad (TREE OF LIFE), Steve McQueen (SHAME), Arnon Milchan (BROKEN CITY) and Anthony Katagas (KILLING THEM SOFTLY); executive producers are Tessa Ross (SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE) and John Ridley. The filmmaking team includes Director of Photography Sean Bobbitt, BSC (HUNGER, SHAME); production designer Adam Stockhausen (MOONRISE KINGDOM); editor Joe Walker (HUNGER, SHAME); Academy Award® nominated costume designer Patricia Norris (THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD) and Academy Award® winning composer Hans Zimmer (INCEPTION, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES).
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOX SEARCHLIGHT
