Dufour Road, Goudeau, Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, 71356, United States of America
Decatur County, Kansas, United States of America
Steve McQueen’s harrowing, true account of a free Black man kidnapped into slavery was filmed in Louisiana – on the very kind of antebellum plantations where the real Solomon Northup was enslaved, and in the streets of New Orleans.
Where was 12 Years a Slave filmed?
12 Years a Slave was filmed across Louisiana – New Orleans and historic plantations like St Joseph and Bocage.
Every 12 Years a Slave location, explained
1
The plantations – St James Parish
The Epps and Ford estates used historic Louisiana plantations, including St Joseph Plantation and Felicity.
2
Shaw’s farm – Bocage Plantation
Further plantation scenes used Bocage Plantation in Ascension Parish.
3
New Orleans – the city
The slave pen and city scenes used New Orleans, including the French Quarter.
4
The Louisiana country
The film is steeped in the landscapes of antebellum Louisiana.
Planning a visit
The historic plantations of Louisiana – and the city of New Orleans – are real, sobering, accessible pieces of the film’s history.
12 Years a Slave Fun Facts
1
Filmed in Louisiana The film used real antebellum plantations and New Orleans.
2
Real plantations Historic Louisiana plantations stood in for the estates in the story.
3
A true story It adapts the memoir of Solomon Northup.
4
Best Picture The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
5
Nyong'o's debut Lupita Nyong’o won an Oscar for her film debut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was 12 Years a Slave filmed?
Across Louisiana – New Orleans and historic plantations like St Joseph and Bocage.
Is it based on a true story?
Yes – the memoir of Solomon Northup.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – many Louisiana plantations are open to visitors.
