Freedom on Film: Upcoming Movies in Black History

Some of the best movies chronicling black history are due to be released. 12 Years a Slave, Long Walk to Freedom, Half of  Yellow Sun and The Butler have a unique  way of showcasing black history and our quest for freedom. Each movie in its own unique way shows the struggle for freedom and the triumph than ensues.

12 YEARS A SLAVE

Twelve 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) will forever alter his life. More at http://www.foxsearchlight.com/12yearsaslave/

MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

This biopic of Nelson Mandela chronicles his life according to his bestselling autobiography ‘Long Walk to Freedom’. A chronicle of Nelson Mandela’s life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.

The film which chronicles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming President and working to rebuild the country’s once segregated society. Idris Elba (PROMETHEUS) stars as Nelson Mandela with Justin Chadwick (THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL) directing. More at http://mandelafilm.com/

HALF OF A YELLOW SUN

This love story is based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s bestselling novel ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ about life in Nigeria during the Biafran war told through the eyes of a couple that struggles through the war and their own relationship.

LEE DANIEL’S THE BUTLER

THE BUTLER tells the story of a White House butler who served seven American presidents over three decades. The film traces the dramatic changes that swept American society during this time, from the civil rights movement to Vietnam and beyond, and how those changes affected this man’s life and family. Forest Whitaker stars as the butler with Robin Williams as Dwight Eisenhower, James Marsden as John F. Kennedy, Liev Schreiber as Lyndon B. Johnson, John Cusack as Richard Nixon, Alan Rickman as Ronald Reagan, and many more. Academy Award® nominated Lee Daniels (PRECIOUS) directs and Emmy®-award winning Danny Strong (GAME CHANGE) wrote the script. More at http://www.weinsteinco.com/sites/leedanielsthebutler/