WHAT AN IRONY -SEE Who Nigerian Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor Who Plays A Slave In The Movie ” 12 years A Slave” Is Dating – PHOTOS

Chiwetel had previously spoken about his ease in terms of relating to the historical subject matter.
‘My heritage is that I’m Nigerian, and hundreds of thousands of Igbo from the east were taken out of Nigeria and brought around the globe, but specifically to Louisiana and the south of America, so I feel connected the experience,’ he told Salon.

‘I feel connected to the history, to the reality of it. I feel that once we – if we’re constantly trying to separate each other then we’re missing the point.


‘I didn’t feel that there was something illegitimate about me telling that story, in my own background or in my own heart.

‘If I did I wouldn’t have done it. And I don’t think Steve would have directed it.’
The 36-year-old actor was making an appearance at the Directors Guild Of America, where the latest film from British director Steve McQueen was getting a much anticipated screening, Q&A and reception.

The movie – a cinematic account of the autobiography by Soloman Northrup, a freed black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery – has already won rave reviews following screenings at the Telluride and New York Film Festivals

 


 
Leading man: Chiwetel Ejiofor attends a screening and Q&A for new film 12 Years A Slave at the Directors Guild of America with girlfriend Sari Mercer

It received an equally warm reception following its first LA screening for assorted members of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences at the city’s 1,000-capacity Samuel Goldwyn Theatre on Sunday evening during what marked the start of a big week for the new film.

Arriving for a second screening and Q&A on Monday, London born Chiwetel – Soloman in the movie – was in high-spirits after taking to the red carpet with partner Sari Mercer.

The couple cheerfully posed for photos outside the venue, with the leading man looking dapper in a smart three-piece suit as he wrapped an arm around his girlfriend’s waist.

 
Happy couple: Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays slave Solomon Northup in the new film, wraps an arm around girlfriend Sari’s waist