12 Years a Slave to be Taught in Schools

After taking home Best Film at the Baftas and Golden Globes, 12 Years a Slave has scored yet another victory.

From September, Steve McQueen's Oscar-nominated slave epic will be heading to American classrooms.

The National Schools Board has confirmed that high school students in public schools will study Solomon Northup's story as part of their curriculum on slavery.

12 Years a Slave was adapted from Northup's memoirs, first published in 1853. He was free-born black man who was kidnapped and taken to New Orleans, where he was sold into slavery. He documented his story after regaining his freedom and returning to his native New York.

The movie, original memoir and study guide will be distributed nationwide by National Schools Board with the help of publishers New Regency, Penguin books and the filmmakers.

Montel Williams, the mastermind behind the project, said that Hollywood had become 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," he said.

It will be welcome news for director McQueen, who have previously voiced his desire to have Northup's story be studied by the future generation.

"Since first reading 12 Years a Slave it has been my dream that this book be taught in schools," said McQueen."

12 Years a Slave is up for nine Oscars including Best Film, Best Adaptation and Best Actor for Chiwetel Ejiofor's stand out portrayal of Northup. The 86th Academy Awards take place on 2 March.