“Selma” is a historically fueled film drama based around the Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and many other historical figures.

The film is directed by industry up-and-comer Ava DuVernay and is written by Paul Webb. The film is Webb’s first screenplay attempt.

While this is Webb’s first work in the industry, DuVernay has confidence in his potential.

“[Webb’s] father lives in Selma. He already knew the area,” DuVernay said.

The film also has many “A-list” celebrities attached to it. First, there’s David Oyelowo depicting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who has been seen in other films such as “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “The Butler,” and “Interstellar.” Oprah Winfrey also has a role as Annie Lee Cooper, along as being a producer alongside Brad Pitt and others.

“David [Oyelowo] got me this job,” said DuVernay, referencing their past work on “Middle of Nowhere,” which she also directed. Once Oyelowo was cast as Dr. King, he demanded that DuVernay directed the film.

“I was interested in contemporary stories. He is a great human being and is great to work with,” DuVernay said.

DuVernay is part of a recent surge of female directors in Hollywood, with Kathryn Bigelow and Angelina Jolie being other notable examples.

“She [DuVernay] has great talent. She’s someone who is so great with humanity and not everyone has that skill. She gets not only the expected expression from an actor, but the unexpected from an actor,” Oyelowo said.

DuVernay hopes that the film will have a lasting effect on the audience after they leave the theater.

“As artists, our job is to tell the story. It has a different effect on everyone,” DuVernay said. “I hope the film is an echo through history from 1965 to now.”

Selma had a limited release over the Christmas holiday weekend, but is currently slated for a wide theatrical release on Jan. 9, 2015.