Film drama 12 Years A Slave added to US national curriculum

The National School Boards Association (NSBA) said that all state-run high school are required to watch the award-winning film.

16:38 03 March 2014

12 Years a Slave, a historical drama based on a true story of Solomon Northup and which won best picture at the recently concluded Oscar’s, has been added to US national curriculum. The National School Boards Association (NSBA) has announced that the film’s viewing is mandatory in all state-run high schools.

 

The board has joined in partnership with the distributor New Regency, Penguin Books and the filmmakers so copies of the book, the film and a study guide are allocated across the US.

 

The film, which has been rated “R”, was directed by Steve McQueen.

The initiative was spear-headed by actor and presenter Montel Williams. In a statement, he said: he film "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”.