Depicting the historic 1965 marches from Selma to Montgomery, the film follows Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) as he leads the fight for voting rights amidst violent resistance and political roadblocks. The marches, marked by brutal police confrontations, galvanize public support and lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. The film highlights the courage, determination, and sacrifices of the civil rights movement.

1. “We must march! We must stand up!”

This quote embodies the spirit of activism and the necessity of taking action in the face of injustice. It underscores the importance of collective effort in fighting for one’s rights.

2. “Our lives are not fully lived if we’re not willing to die for those we love, for what we believe.”

This dialogue speaks to the ultimate sacrifice and commitment required to bring about meaningful change. It emphasizes living with purpose and dedication to one’s beliefs.

3. “No citizen of this country can call themselves blameless.”

This quote highlights the collective responsibility in addressing and rectifying systemic issues. It reminds us that inaction is a form of complicity.

4. “Selma is now.”

This powerful statement connects past struggles to present challenges, reminding us that the fight for equality is ongoing and relevant in every era.

5. “There is no word for what we are making happen.”

This captures the awe-inspiring and unprecedented nature of the civil rights movement, illustrating the creation of a new chapter in history that defies simple description.

6. “We negotiate, we demonstrate, we resist.”

This succinctly lays out the multifaceted approach required in social movements, blending dialogue, visibility, and defiance to achieve justice.

7. “We want to be free now!”

This quote is a direct demand for immediate change, rejecting gradualism and underscoring the urgency of freedom and equality.

8. “They call us agitators, troublemakers, but we have a responsibility to change what’s wrong.”

This dialogue reframes criticism of activism, asserting that challenging injustice is a moral duty rather than a disruption of peace.

9. “The time is always right to do right.”

This quote encourages seizing the moment to act ethically, emphasizing that justice should not be postponed.

10. “What happens when a man stands up, says ‘enough is enough’?”

This rhetorical question invites reflection on the power of individual courage and the ripple effects it can have on society.

11. “We’ve come too far, we’ve sacrificed too much, to let go now.”

This emphasizes perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity, acknowledging the sacrifices made for progress.

12. “Our lives are not fully lived if we’re not willing to die for those we love.”

This dialogue underlines the depth of commitment required in the fight for justice, linking personal sacrifice to the broader struggle for equality.

13. “We build the path as we can, rock by rock.”

This metaphor illustrates the incremental nature of progress, emphasizing patience and persistence in the journey toward social change.

14. “We are here. We are here.”

This simple yet powerful assertion of presence is a demand for recognition and a refusal to be ignored in the quest for equality.

15. “What do you want, Dr. King?”

This question, posed to a leader, reflects the broader question of the desires and goals of the movement, inviting introspection and clarity of purpose.

16. “You got more than a vote here, you got a voice.”

This quote highlights the importance of empowerment and active participation in democracy beyond merely casting a ballot.

17. “It’s not just about a vote. It’s about the way we live.”

This statement broadens the understanding of the civil rights struggle as one that encompasses all aspects of life and dignity, not just electoral participation.

18. “They beat us. They beat us, but they cannot beat us.”

This paradoxical statement captures the resilience of the human spirit and the invincibility of the struggle for justice, despite physical setbacks.

19. “There is a power in our unity.”

This emphasizes the strength found in collective action and solidarity, underscoring unity as a critical component of successful movements.

20. “I am here to tell you, it is always the right time to do the right thing.”

This reiterates the timeless message of moral action, urging individuals to act with integrity and justice regardless of external circumstances.

Interesting Facts about Selma (2014)

Ava DuVernay’s Pioneering Achievement

Ava DuVernay became the first Black female director to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Director for her work on “Selma.”

Original Screenplay Rewrite

Paul Webb wrote the initial screenplay, but Ava DuVernay rewrote about 90% of the dialogue to better capture the voices and perspectives of the characters.

Historical Accuracy in Casting

David Oyelowo, who portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was personally endorsed by King’s children, Yolanda and Martin Luther King III, for his remarkable resemblance and performance.

Authentic Filming Locations

Parts of the movie were filmed on location in Selma, Alabama, including on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, which was the site of the actual events depicted in the film.

Oprah Winfrey’s Dual Role

Oprah Winfrey not only played the role of Annie Lee Cooper in the film but also served as one of the producers, helping to bring the project to fruition.

Music with Historical Significance

The song “Glory,” performed by John Legend and Common for the film, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and was inspired by both the film and the ongoing struggles for civil rights.

Presidential Screening

“Selma” was screened at the White House by President Barack Obama, who praised the film for its portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history.

Challenges of Historical Licensing

The filmmakers could not use Dr. King’s actual speeches verbatim due to licensing issues, requiring DuVernay to craft new speeches that captured the essence and spirit of King’s rhetoric.

Award-Winning Cinematography

Bradford Young, the film’s cinematographer, received widespread acclaim for his work, which was noted for its evocative and immersive portrayal of the era.

Impact on Education

“Selma” was made available for free to students in certain U.S. cities as part of an educational initiative to teach young people about the Civil Rights Movement.