They were "inconsistent with approved advertising materials," according to distributor BIM Distribuzione, which has now withdrawn the 12 Years A Slave posters causing controversy across Italy and beyond. The posters, which were released last week, feature huge pictures of Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt above tiny images of Chiwetel Ejiofor, despite the fact that it is Ejiofor who has the starring role, for which he has received several Best Actor nominations and won the OFCS award. Fassbender has been nominated several times as Best Supporting Actor and Pitt's screen time amounts to about ten minutes, in a minor role.
Naturally the posters have led to accusations of racism, ironic given that the film deals with the subject of slavery in America. British distributor Lionsgate quickly disowned them and expressed its concern, but BIM Distribution does not seem willing to acknowledge the reason why they have been so controversial, saying simply "We are very proud of the film and regret any distraction this incident may have caused.”
Efforts are now being made to track down and destroy any of the posters that remain in circulation.
