Steve McQueen believes that the film industry has ignored slavery and thinks there needs to be more movies on the subject.
McQueen returns to the director's chair this week with his critically acclaimed film 12 Years A Slave.
The movie is based on the memoir by Solomon Northup and follows his story; he was a free man who was tricked and sold into slavery.
Speaking to Sky New he said: "The Second World War lasted five years and there are hundreds and hundreds of films about the Second World War and the Holocaust.
"Slavery lasted 400 years and there are less than 20 [films]. We have to redress that balance and look at that time in history."
12 Years A Slave was one of the most talked about movies on the festival circuit at the end of last year, and it set to be a major awards player over the next few weeks.
The film, McQueen, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender have all already picked up Golden Globe nominations for their work.
The 2014 Oscar nominations are announced next week and 12 Years A Slave is already the favourite to scoop Best Picture.
12 Years A Slave is on the third feature film for McQueen and follows on from the success of Hunger and Shame.
12 Years A Slave is released 10th January.
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