Oscar Winner 12 YEARS A SLAVE to Expand in U.S. Theaters This Friday

Fresh off its win as 'Best Picture' at this year's Academy Awards, the historical drama '12 YEARS A SLAVE' is set to make a major expansion into U.S. theaters beginning this Friday, March 7th, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film will be out on DVD next Tuesday, March 11th.

In its 20th weekend in theaters, the drama grossed $975,931 from 411 theaters, up 86 percent from the previous weekend and bringing its domestic total to a whopping $50.3 million. This weekend, the Fox Searchlight film will be shown in more than 1,000 theaters.

Read the story in full here.

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.

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 (THE TREE OF LIFE), Steve McQueen (SHAME), Arnon Milchan (L.A. CONFIDENTIAL) 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 (DRIVING MISS DAISY).

Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight

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