On with Kara Swisher How Ava DuVernay Made a Hit with ‘Origin,’ and Without Big Studio Backing
Feb 1, 2024
Ava DuVernay, the acclaimed director behind films like 'Selma' and '13th,' joins the conversation to unveil her latest project, 'Origin.' She shares the challenges of transforming Isabel Wilkerson's 'Caste' into a compelling narrative without major studio backing, leveraging support from philanthropists instead. The discussion touches on the importance of authentic representation in film, the need for accountability in a shifting political landscape, and how storytelling can ignite dialogues around systemic inequality and inspire societal change.
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Oprah's Influence
- Oprah convinced Ava DuVernay to read Isabel Wilkerson's Caste.
- This eventually led to DuVernay adapting the book into the film Origin.
Containers of Oppression
- Ava DuVernay uses the word "containers" to categorize different groups facing oppression.
- This framing helps to understand oppression beyond the singular focus on race.
Unconventional Storytelling
- Step outside conventional storytelling structures when adapting complex stories.
- DuVernay encourages aspiring filmmakers to embrace unconventional narratives.
