We were delighted to have the support of writer, historian and commentator Edson Burton and film and music journalist Adam Murray in presenting this discussion around Steve McQueen's blisteringly powerful 12 Years a Slave.

Folowing the event Edson wrote these reflections on the experience:

"Silence, muted conversation and solemn expressions revealed the impact of the film, and some recurrent themes emerged from the audiences' wide-ranging response. Many felt that the film was a way to understand contemporary attitudes to race, black on black violence, discrimination and power imbalance. Young people and their youth workers felt the film should be compulsory viewing for those in secondary school. A young woman spoke movingly of how that sense of interminable dread experienced by Solomon is still present in Black life.

"'All we get is a bridge with a plaque' was one reaction to the perceived poor response of Bristol to slavery - and it was one that drew murmurs of approval from most of the audience. Not all of them, it has to be said, commended the film or its intentions - some criticised what they perceived to be the film's narrow historical focus.

"One woman said it was 'disgusting - it was degrading to Black women'. Her response came from a place of distress. Adam and I suggested that perhaps, it was the reality that was depicted which was disgusting, and not the film. If in that regard McQueen's purpose was to make sure we were left with no illusions about slavery - 12 Years has done its job perfectly.

"Since the screening, through conversation, via Facebook and text, many who did not feel able to speak in the aftermath of the film were keen to say that they found listening to reflections on the film cathartic. 12 Years A Slave is not easy viewing but, if you like cinema that is challenging, engaging, and provocative - it is a necessity."

Posted on Mon 27 Jan 2014.

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