12 Years a Slave is a historical drama film directed by Steve McQueen. It is based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War United States. The film depicts the brutal realities of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit. 12 Years a Slave is a powerful and emotionally charged film that confronts the dark history of slavery and the enduring legacy of racism. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture.