‘12 Years a Slave’ director adds 2nd Minneapolis appearance

British director Steve McQueen, currently receiving huge acclaim for his startling movie "12 Years a Slave," has added a second public appearance during his visit to the Twin Cities this weekend.

McQueen will participate in a  question and answer session after the 12:30 p.m. Saturday screening of the film at the Brooklyn Center 20.

The film's distributor organized the session after a dialogue between McQueen and MoMA curator Stuart Comer at the Walker Art Center scheduled for Saturday evening sold out quickly, drawing criticism from local blog Opineseason which said more effort should have been made to get tickets for the event to African-Americans, still affected by the legacy of slavery. It  suggested additional screenings and dialogues should be considered.

In response, Walker officials agreed the issues in the film deserve a broad debate, but they said under the contract with the distributor the center couldn't offer additional events.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.