DHAKA: US talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has said she feels the time is finally right for audiences to embrace films that tackle slavery and civil rights.

The 59-year-old told BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz she was ‘so happy’ a number of new titles cover the topics.

One of these, ‘12 Years a Slave’, moved her to tears during the interview.

Asked if some of the challenges and criticisms faced by president Barack Obama were down to the colour of his skin, she said, ‘There’s no question’, report the BBC.

Winfrey has a starring role in ‘The Butler’, which recounts the life of an African American man who grows up on a cotton plantation.

Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker) goes on to witness the Civil Rights struggle as he serves under a succession of US presidents. Winfrey takes the role of his wife Gloria.

‘I think everything has its time and I’m so happy for this time,’ said Winfrey.

‘The fact that all of them are happening this year is really, really exciting.’

BDST: 1440 HRS, NOV 14, 2013
RoR/BSK