Solomon Northup's Odyssey

Set in the mid-19th century before the abolition of slavery, this drama tells the true story of Solomon Northup. A free Black man from New York who works as a carpenter and musician, Northup is lured by men who claim to want his musical services. Instead, they kidnap him and sell him into slavery in the South. He spends twelve years enduring forced labor and hardship while struggling to convince others of his true identity. Throughout this time, he attempts to contact his family so they can secure his release.

The film was directed by Gordon Parks, appearing in his filmography after Leadbelly and before The World of Piri Thomas. It was produced by Yanna Kroyt Brandt and produced by PBS, The Fremantle Corporation, and Past America. The cast features Avery Brooks in the lead role as Solomon Northup, alongside Rhetta Greene, Mason Adams, Emory Beasley, Kent Broadhurst, and Lee Bryant. The production involved a credited crew of 40 and a cast of 32. On IMDb, the movie holds a rating of 7.7/10 based on 133 votes.