Ava DuVernay
Ava DuVernay
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#### Full Name and Common Aliases
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Ava Marie DuVernay is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and film marketer. She is often referred to as Ava DuVernay.
#### Birth and Death Dates
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Born: August 24, 1972 (age 51)
Deceased: N/A
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession: Film Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Film Marketer
Early Life and Background
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Ava DuVernay was born in Long Beach, California. Her early life was marked by a strong interest in the arts, which would eventually lead her to pursue a career in filmmaking. DuVernay's family encouraged her creative pursuits from an early age. She grew up watching classic films and was heavily influenced by the works of Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino, and Martin Scorsese.
After high school, DuVernay attended a community college before transferring to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied filmmaking. However, she dropped out after just one semester due to financial constraints. Undeterred, DuVernay began working in the film industry as a distribution executive for the independent film distributor, Focus Features.
Major Accomplishments
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Ava DuVernay's breakthrough came with her 2012 film "Middle of Nowhere," which premiered at Sundance and earned her numerous awards and nominations. The following year, she released "13th," a documentary that examined mass incarceration in the United States and featured a foreword by Barack Obama.
In 2014, DuVernay became the first African American woman to direct a film with a budget over $100 million when she was hired to helm "Selma." The film, which told the story of Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic march from Selma to Montgomery, earned critical acclaim and further solidified DuVernay's reputation as a leading voice in contemporary cinema.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Ava DuVernay's most notable works include:
"Middle of Nowhere" (2012) - Her feature film debut that premiered at Sundance.
"13th" (2016) - A documentary that examined mass incarceration in the United States.
"Selma" (2014) - A historical drama about Martin Luther King Jr.'s march from Selma to Montgomery.
"A Wrinkle in Time" (2018) - A science fiction film based on the classic novel by Madeleine L'Engle.
* "When They See Us" (2019) - A miniseries that dramatized the Central Park Five case.
Impact and Legacy
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Ava DuVernay's impact on contemporary cinema cannot be overstated. She has been a trailblazer for women and minorities in the film industry, paving the way for future generations of filmmakers. Her commitment to telling stories about underrepresented communities has helped bring attention to important social issues.
DuVernay's influence extends beyond her films as well. She is an outspoken advocate for justice and equality, often using her platform to speak out on issues affecting marginalized communities. Her dedication to uplifting the voices of others has inspired countless individuals around the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Ava DuVernay's quotes are widely sought after due to her unique perspective on social justice and her unwavering commitment to using her platform for good. Her words offer a glimpse into her vision for a more equitable world, inspiring readers to take action in their own communities.
DuVernay's legacy will undoubtedly continue to grow as new generations of filmmakers emerge inspired by her work. As a testament to her enduring impact, her films and quotes remain widely studied and referenced today.
Quotes by Ava DuVernay
I'm interested in seeing artists whom I respect who are very focused on the Black Lives Matter moment, bringing that into storytelling in a way that really amplifies the beauty and the humanity of people of color, and does it without having to wave a big sign that says, 'This is what we're doing.'
I'd be absolutely happy to go back and make a smaller picture. I never want my choices to be dictated by budget. That's one of the reasons why I take so much pride in being able to make films for $2 and a paper clip - because I can always get my hands on $2 and a paper clip. I never have to ask for permission for that.
I'm a big people watcher and a people talker. The beautiful thing about being an artist and a creative person is that you can get an idea from anywhere, and I'm always on the hunt for them.
Especially when we're dealing with issues of race, culture, identity, and history, the time has passed for the 'white savior' holding the black person's hand through their own history.
I just don't think there's a lot of support for the woman's voice in cinema, and it becomes really difficult to raise that money and start again every time.
I spent a whole 12 years helping other people tell their stories as a publicist, so just to be able to go and write and get behind the camera, that's my thing.
'Diversity' is like, 'Ugh, I have to do diversity.' I recognize and celebrate what it is, but that word, to me, is a disconnect.
You gotta follow the white guys. Truly. They've got this thing wired. Too often, we live within their games, so why would you not study what works? Take away the bad stuff - because there's a lot - and use the savvy interesting stuff and figure out how they can apply. It's a good one for the ladies.
In Hollywood, there is one dominant voice. It is a white, male, straight gaze. When I talk about positive portrayals of black people and women, I'm saying complexity. I'm not saying goody-two-shoes, everything's okay. No. The positive view of me is to see me as I am: the 'good,' the 'bad,' the gray. That is a positive portrayal.