12 Years a Slave opens Stockholm International Film Festival 2013

Steve McQueen’s historic drama opens Stockholm International Film Festival and is nominated in the prestigous ”Stockholm XXIV Competition” – where it could win the 7,3 kilo bronze horse for ”Best Film”.

12 Years a Slave is a heart-gripping historical drama based on Solomon Northrup's autobiography. A free black man is kidnapped from his family in New York and sold into slavery. Through the eyes of Northrup, we get a glimpse of the cruelties of slavery during the 1850s in Louisiana.

Screenwriter John Ridley, who will be present during the festival, is nominated for the Aluminum Horse in the category "Best Script". The film's director, Steve McQueen, became famous in the art world in the 90's with his video installations. Both of his previous films Hunger (2008), about the Irish hunger strike in 1981, and Shame (2011), with Michael Fassbender in the convincing role as a sex addict, have previously been shown at the Stockholm International Film Festival and participated in the competition section. Hunger was awarded in 2008 for "Best Directorial Debut".

In 12 Years a Slave Michael Fassbender plays the role of a sadistic plantation owner. Fassbender, along with British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (Solomon Northrup), are frequently recurring names in the buzz surrounding the upcoming Oscar nominations. Other actors in the film include Lupita Nyong'o, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Giamatti and Brad Pitt.

The film premieres year-end 2013/14 and is distributed by AB Svensk Filmindustri.

Press contact:
Johnny Nylund
Phone: + 46 72 914 6005
Fanny Westin
Phone: + 46 73 774 9415
E-mail: press@stockholmfilmfestival.se

The 24th Stockholm International Film Festival November 6-17 2013.
The Stockholm International Film Festival started in 1990 and is today one of the leading competitive film festivals in Northern Europe. The festival takes place every year in November with more than 180 films from more than 50 countries. More than a festival: we organize exclusive screenings and the popular Summer Cinema – an outdor mini-festival. Every year in spring the Stockholm International Film Festival Junior brings the latest films to youngsters between 6 and 16 years of age.
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