Slavery on Screen

"12 Years a Slave" was the most recent and acclaimed movie to depict plantation slavery, but this genre has a varied, complicated history. Northwestern University professors Miriam Petty and Nick Davis will unpack these traditions through close analysis of important works, from television landmarks like "Roots" to independent films like "Sankofa" and "Daughters of the Dust." They will then invite the audience to debate different storytelling approaches to this painful but vital subject.