Ava DuVernay, writer, producer, and filmmaker, discusses her process for adapting the challenging book 'Caste' into the film 'Origin'. She emphasizes the importance of making films accessible to a wide audience and explores how film can change minds and connect people. DuVernay also reflects on the impact of her previous films, such as '13', 'When They See Us', and 'Selma' in shedding light on social issues.

Ava DuVernay, the award-winning filmmaker behind 'Selma' and 'When They See Us,' shares insights on Hollywood's evolving landscape and the struggles for diversity after recent labor strikes. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, beloved for her roles in 'Seinfeld' and 'Veep,' discusses the power of resilience in her journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. Both guests reflect on personal challenges, industry changes, and illustrate the profound impact of storytelling in shaping culture and inspiring future generations.

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay discusses her creative adaptation of the book 'Caste' and the questions she hopes to pose in 2024. She reflects on her formative years as an underground emcee, the making of her first narrative feature, and the past year in Hollywood. She also shares her hopes for ARRAY and the words of Angela Davis that keep her moving forward.

Ava DuVernay, acclaimed director and screenwriter, discusses her latest film 'Origin' which is an adaptation of a nonfiction book. She secured funding for the film from philanthropists instead of major Hollywood studios. They explore the importance of recognizing oppression beyond race, the state of democracy in the US, the dangers of becoming numb to threats, examining assumptions in DEI programs, and the impact of alternative funding on their filmmaking process.

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay discusses her journey from publicist to director and producer. She shares her upbringing, early dreams of becoming a lawyer, and her transition into journalism. Ava talks about the scarcity of black women filmmakers and her approach to learning the technical side of movies. She emphasizes the importance of embracing knowledge and surrounding oneself with experts. Ava also reveals a serendipitous encounter on a plane that leads to a film project and discusses her reflections on success and acknowledging luck.

In this episode, Ava DuVernay, writer and director of WHEN THEY SEE US, 13TH, SELMA, discusses her transition from running a publicity agency to filmmaking, her experience directing SELMA on a modest budget, and the power of dailies in her latest project. She also reflects on the impact of classic films on her childhood and shares her insights on the film industry's potential for positive change.

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay pursued an unusual funding model to get her new film 'Origin' made. The podcast explores her motivation for independent filmmaking, challenges faced, and the unique funding model she used with contributions from organizations like the Ford Foundation. The discussion also highlights the artistic freedom this model offers and how DuVernay's approach to filmmaking inspires hope for the future.

Rachel shares candid life updates, including her humorous take on a sprained ankle and her decision to embrace hair extensions for confidence. She delves into the impacts of perimenopause while discussing her experience at an event with Ava DuVernay, a renowned filmmaker celebrated for her storytelling. Throughout the chat, they explore overcoming excuses, the importance of resilience, and the transformative journey with the Start Today journal, all wrapped in motivational insights to keep pushing forward.

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay discusses her ambitious new film 'Origin,' based on Isabel Wilkerson's book 'Caste.' She explores the importance of shedding light on social issues, examines the concept of cast as a prism for human cruelty, and compares Nazi atrocities with American slavery. DuVernay also dives into systemic racism, the challenges of reaching a diverse audience, and the need for new language to understand our divisions and history.

By her early thirties, Ava DuVernay was already a successful entrepreneur, having founded her own film publicity agency in Los Angeles. But after years of watching other people make films, she started to get an itch to tell her own stories onscreen. Ava's first films were rooted in deeply personal experiences: growing up with her sisters in Compton, performing Hip Hop at Open Mic Night at the Good Life Café in L.A. Her self-funded and self-distributed projects began to draw attention, and in 2012, Ava won the award for best directing at the Sundance Film Festival. She went on to direct powerful projects like Selma, 13th, and When They See Us; and through her production and distribution company ARRAY, she's created a movement that is helping change how movies are made—and who gets to make them.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.