12 Years a Slave is a critically acclaimed movie that tells the story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the 1840s. The movie was directed by Steve McQueen and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o, and Michael Fassbender. It was based on Northup’s memoir of the same name.

The movie was filmed in various locations in the United States, including Louisiana, Georgia, and Washington, D.C. Here is a comprehensive guide to the filming locations of 12 Years a Slave:

Louisiana

Most of the movie was filmed in Louisiana, which has become a popular location for movie productions due to its tax incentives and diverse landscapes. Some of the locations used in the movie include:

• Magnolia Plantation in Schriever – This plantation was used as the Epps plantation, where Solomon Northup was enslaved.
• Bocage Plantation in Darrow – This plantation was used as the Shaw plantation, where Northup was first taken after being kidnapped.
• Madewood Plantation in Napoleonville – This plantation was used as the Ford plantation, where Northup was sold to after leaving the Shaw plantation.
• Destrehan Plantation in Destrehan – This plantation was used as the Freeman plantation, where Northup met Samuel Bass.
• St. Joseph Plantation in Vacherie – This plantation was used as the Chapin plantation, where Northup worked before being sold to the Epps plantation.

Georgia

Some scenes of the movie were also filmed in Georgia, another state that offers tax incentives to movie productions. The locations used in the movie include:

• Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant – This plantation was used as the Shaw plantation, where Northup was first taken after being kidnapped.
• Fort James Jackson in Savannah – This fort was used as the Washington, D.C. slave pen where Northup was held before being sold into slavery.

Washington, D.C.

Some scenes of the movie were also filmed in Washington, D.C., where Northup lived before being kidnapped. The locations used in the movie include:

• Old Town Alexandria in Virginia – This historic district was used as the streets of Washington, D.C. where Northup lived and worked.
• Meridian Hill Park in Washington, D.C. – This park was used as the location where Northup was approached by his kidnappers.

Overall, the filming locations of 12 Years a Slave were carefully chosen to accurately depict the story of Solomon Northup and the harsh realities of slavery in the United States. If you’re a fan of the movie, consider visiting some of these locations to get a deeper understanding of the story.