Ava DuVernay is an award-winning film director, screenwriter, and producer. In 2014, she was listed as one of the New York Times ‘25 New Directors to Watch’ and in 2015 she was included in Variety magazine’s ‘Women in Power’ list. DuVernay is known for her films exploring social issues such as race, gender, and inequality. Her first feature-length film was the documentary This Is How she documented a trip with her brother through their hometown of Compton, CA. In 2012 she released her second documentary titled A Place Further Than the Universe about four Japanese girls on a voyage to Antarctica as part of a high school Excursion program. She has also filmed commercials and music videos including Jay-Z's "Public Housing" video which was nominated for several awards including Best Video at the BET Awards and Best Music Video at the MTV Video Music Awards. Her work has been exhibited internationally at museums and festivals including the New> media arts lab in Amsterdam; the Black Film Center archive at Duke University; the Museum of Modern Art Oxford; the Transmediale festival in Berlin; the Panorama Media Arts Conference; Crossroads Asia festival; Busan International Film Festival, W Hotels RED Camera Film Festival, and Cannes Film Festival. She has also lectured extensively on topics ranging from digital storytelling to representation in media at institutions around the world including Harvard University, Yale University, and Columbia University School of Continuing Education.
Director Ava DuVernay talks new movie "Origin"
A Place By The Sea
A Place by the Sea is a short documentary about the Miss California pageant. DuVernay filmed the documentary in 2002 when she was a student at UCLA. The film follows Miss Junior California and Miss California as they prepare for the pageant. The documentary also features interviews with pageant officials about why these pageants are so popular. A Place by the Sea helps viewers understand how pageants work by showing how contestants are trained and what they do to prepare for competition. Interspersed are insightful interviews with Miss California, Carrie Hunter, and her mother as they discuss Carrie’s decision to continue competing even though she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. DuVernay won numerous awards with this documentary, including a Student Academy Award, a CINE Golden Eagle Award, and a CINE Special Jury Prize.
Selma
Selma is a biographical drama film that was released in 2015. It is about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement in Selma, Alabama in 1965. DuVernay directed the film and wrote the screenplay, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Selma received many awards and nominations including two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, two SAG Award nominations, and two BAFTA Award nominations. The film was also a box office success, grossing over $52 million worldwide. The film was praised for its accurate portrayal of the events and its sensitivity toward the people who were involved with the civil rights movement. The film’s success allowed more people to learn more about the events in Selma and empowered viewers to continue Dr. King’s work of social justice. Selma is an excellent example of how film can be used to create social change.
Queen Sugar
Queen Sugar is a critically acclaimed American drama series that premiered in 2017 on the Oprah Winfrey Network. It is about an African American family in the California sugarcane fields who becomes involved in the lucrative business of harvesting sugarcane after the death of the father. DuVernay created the show and serves as one of the executive producers. The series has received many accolades, including being named one of the best new shows of 2017 by several publications. The show has been praised for its accurate depiction of African American families, as well as its representation of women of color in the media. The show’s success has been attributed to its authenticity and excellent portrayal of diverse characters. The show has also been praised for its commitment to social justice.
Advice for women of color wanting to get into filmmaking
In an interview with Pacific Standard, DuVernay shared advice for women of color who want to get into filmmaking. She encourages people who want to become filmmakers to write, read, and watch films regularly. DuVernay also suggests that aspiring filmmakers visit museums and galleries to become familiar with the art. DuVernay stresses the importance of getting a degree. She says that although people may scoff at the idea of going to college to study film, “nobody questions whether or not the doctor needs to go to medical school.” DuVernay also suggests that aspiring filmmakers read books and use social media to communicate with people in the film industry. She says that filmmakers should “meet people where they are” and interact with people on social media to help get their work out there. DuVernay also recommends that people read books about filmmakers who have had success in the industry. This will help aspiring filmmakers see what needs to be done to succeed in the business.
Films to watch by Ava DuVernay
- A Wrinkle in Time
- 13th
- The 13th Women's March
- The Color of a Brighter Future
- I Will What I Want - Middle of Nowhere
- Other People
- Selma
- When They See Us
Final Words
Ava DuVernay’s body of work is truly impressive and she continues to be a pioneer in the film industry. Her documentary work has revealed important stories that have been overlooked by many documentary filmmakers. Her commitment to social justice and equality has been evident in all of her work. DuVernay’s films have been transformative for many viewers as they have provided new perspectives on important social issues such as feminism and racism. DuVernay has been an inspiration for people of all ages who want to be involved with the film industry.
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