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Historical drama 'Selma' to be free of cost in Selma city

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Press Trust of India Los Angeles
The civil rights drama 'Selma' will be shown free of charge at the Selma Walton Theater in the city of Selma, Alabama, where the film was shot, as a gesture of appreciation by the makers.

The film is based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by James Bevel, Hosea Williams, and Martin Luther King, Jr and John Lewis, reported Variety.

It is co-produced by TV star Oprah Winfrey, who is also acting in the film. She plays activist Annie Lee Cooper.

"With deep gratitude to the people of Selma, Alabama, we are proud to share this powerful film depicting the historic events that took place there 50 years ago. I hope generations will watch the film and share their stories of remembrance and history together," said Winfrey on behalf of the film's producers.
 

'Selma', directed by Ava DuVernay, opened on Christmas and has performed impressively, with USD 1.2 million at 19 locations in its first week. Paramount Pictures will expand the film nationwide on January 9.

"I'm so happy that the movie 'Selma' will be shown in Selma when it's released to the nation. I'm so grateful of the fact that Selma has been blessed to have a movie named after it.

"I'm thankful to the producers, director Ava, and executive producer Paul Garnes for their leadership, and all of the cast for selecting Selma to produce this movie," said George P Evans, the city's mayor, in a statement.

The film stars David Oyelowo as King, Tom Wilkinson as President Lyndon Johnson, Common as Bevel, and Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King.

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First Published: Jan 02 2015 | 1:05 PM IST

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