An Oscar-nominated movie director is urging people around the world to become involved in fighting against modern-day slavery.

The British director Steve McQueen was talking at a special screening at the United Nations of his film '12 Years A Slave' and ahead of the Academy Awards or Oscars ceremony which is being held in Los Angeles on March 2.

The event was part of the UN’s 2014 Slavery Remembrance Commemoration.

"12 Years a Slave" is the story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was abducted and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War United States.

The film is currently nominated for 9 Academy awards including Best picture.

Alexandra King asked Mr McQueen what it meant to him to have the film screened at the UN.

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