“Selma” will be screened for free in Selma, Alabama starting Jan. 9. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. biopic is already getting Oscar buzz, having been nominated in the Golden Globe categories of best actor, director and motion picture drama.

Paramount Pictures plans to show “Selma” at the Selma Walton Theater.

Variety reports Oprah Winfrey, who plays activist Annie Lee Cooper, stated “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.”

“Selma,” directed by Ava DuVernay, opened on Christmas Day and  made $1.2 million at 19 locations in its first week.

Besides showing  “Selma” for free in Selma, Alabama, Paramount will show the movie in more theaters nationwide on Jan. 9.

Selma’s mayor George P. Evans spoke of his appreciation.

“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.”

He also addressed the recent controversy over the film’s historical accuracy regarding the relationship between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Evans said, “We must keep in mind that the movie is just that, a movie and not a documentary. May God continue to bless Selma.”

“Selma” director Ava DuVernay spoke about the film, which is about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s campaign to secure equal voting rights in 1965.

DuVerney said, “In so many ways [the movie] could be foundational for people who are in the streets, who are resisting, who are amplifying their voices and making their concerns heard, to just understand what was done before and to elongate their vision about what we should be doing now.”

“Selma” is being screened for free in Selma, Alabama. Good luck to the film in being nominated for many more awards!

[photo credit: Twitter]