Ava DuVernay: Director and Creator

"Creativity is an energy. It's a precious energy, and it's something to be protected. A lot of people take for granted that they're a creative person, but I know from experience, feeling it in myself, it is a magic; it is an energy. And it can't be taken for granted."

Ava Duvernay is an icon in every sense. Whether it be through her documentaries, television series, or films, she is pathing the way for young women everywhere. The director and creator has pushed the limits and opened up discussions through her work in media. She’s slowly changing the world, impacting the way masses of people think, and captivating audiences around the globe.

Born in Compton, DuVernay recalls a great childhood, surrounded by loved ones and the natural beauty of her inner-city neighborhood. DuVernay attended UCLA where she earned a BA in English Literature and African American studies. She originally saw herself in the field of journalism and reporting, but quickly realized it wasn’t for her while interning for CBS. One of her first jobs was an investigator for the O.J. case. Shortly after, she decided that sneaking around and rushing to be the first on the scene just wasn’t her thing. Duvernay began her career as a film publicist, working with companies such as 20th century Fox, Savoy Pictures, and a few PR agencies before opening her own public relations firm, The DuVernay Agency, in 1999.  

Despite never being formally trained in film, she understood the concept of what it meant to be a director. She spent a lot of her time behind the scenes observing many professional directors and the process of filmmaking. DuVernay started her career in film with documentaries, shedding light on some very important topics that weren’t being talked about in America. The Academy Award nominated Netflix documentary, 13th, highlights America’s justice system and the very scary links it shares with slavery. Directing films such as 13th, Selma and A Wrinkle In Time aren’t the only widely successful projects she has under her belt. She is also the program creator of Queen Sugar, a hit television series on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. Winfrey invited DuVernay to her Maui vacation home where she “strategically placed the novel” all over the house in order to grab DuVernay’s attention. She fell in love with the concept and it went straight to TV. Queen Sugar has now been running for three season and is renewed for a fourth! In terms of directors for the TV show, DuVernay  only hires female directors, a concept that shook the industry as it has never been done before. This brought a lot of critics to the forefront, many didn’t agree with the decision. However, she’s been consistent with her decision for all 4 seasons. No matter the opinion, DuVernay continues to open doors for many women in the media industry, putting them in positions of power and influence behind the camera.

Currently, DuVernay is in the process of directing a Warner Bros DC action-film, The New Gods, which she started back in March of 2018. One of the most inspiring things about DuVernay is the way she brings her creativity and unique background as a filmmaker to every project. It’s very exciting to see a new DC movie come to life in the hands of DuVernay. It is expected that she will bring a unique concept to the film, as she has done with everything else she’s responsible for.

DuVernay is also the first for some important milestones in the film industry. She’s the first Black woman to direct a film with a budget of a $100 million. She makes it clear in her interview with TIME that she’s not the first black women capable of directing such a high budget film, she’s just the first that’s been given the opportunity. “I think it is much more than breaking down his wall, or shattering his glass ceiling. It’s more about building my own house” . She’s also the first Black woman to be nominated for the “Best Picture” Oscar.

Ava DuVernay is a powerhouse. With each project, she’s becoming much more comfortable and experimental in her role as Director. It’s an exciting time for film, and to watch a black woman changing the industry from the inside out gives us hope for America’s future. Thank you Ava, for bringing your ideas to audiences all over the world.