You see women struggling to keep it all together while a loved one is in jail. But we don't hear about them or their struggles in a way that resonates with others. Their stories are so compelling. It's as if they are in their own little world and no one else sees them. Ava DuVernay compelhearjail share on social
If, in 2014, we're still making 'white savior movies,' then it's just lazy and unfortunate. We've grown up as a country, and cinema should be able to reflect what's true. And what's true is that black people are the center of their own lives and should tell their own stories from their own perspectives. Ava DuVernay blackcentercinema share on social
I intend to be making films until I'm an old lady. So, if God willing I get there, I need to create a paradigm for myself where I can make it regardless of whether or not they still like what I'm making. Ava DuVernay createfilmgod share on social
All the films I do, I write the scripts, I direct. Ava DuVernay directfilmscript Change image and share on social
There's really no precedent for someone like me gaining clout in the space that I'm in - a black woman directing films in Hollywood. Ava DuVernay blackcloutdirect Change image and share on social
There can be a progression to the dream; there can be steps to it. When you dissect any successful person's story, it's really rare that it was all or nothing. It's steps, and I just try to remind myself of that in terms of the things that I want; it's like, everything is a step, leading you to where you need to go. Ava DuVernay dissectdreamlead share on social
I didn't go to film school. I got my education on the set as a niche publicist in the film industry. Ava DuVernay educationfilmindustry Change image and share on social
Oprah Winfrey is a big role model for me from a business capacity and a creative capacity. She is an incredible interviewer who cultivated a certain style by inserting her own personhood into a show on national television at a time when no one was talking about empowerment, spirituality, or our inner lives. Ava DuVernay bigbusinesscapacity share on social
I think any black woman is a queen. It's just, do you know it? Do you see it in yourself? Do you recognize it, do you abide by that, do you define yourself as that? Based on who we are and what we've been through and how we survive and where we stand, we are on kind of sacred ground. We stand on the backs of our ancestors. Ava DuVernay abideancestorback share on social
Diversity is not one in the room. Diversity is not two in the room. Diversity is not three in the room. True diversity is half the room. Ava DuVernay diversityhalfroom Change image and share on social