There's a belonging problem in Hollywood. Who dictates who belongs? The very body who dictates that looks all one way.
Ava DuvernayRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of authentic representation in cinema, particularly regarding black narratives.
Ava Duvernay critiques the persistence of 'white savior movies' in cinema, arguing that such portrayals are outdated and lazy. She advocates for the representation of black people as the protagonists of their own stories, emphasizing that these narratives should originate from their own perspectives, true to their lived experiences, thereby fostering a more accurate reflection of society.
Themes
RepresentationCinemaBlack NarrativesAuthenticityStorytelling
In practice
Example use cases
During a film discussion panel on representation in media.
More from Ava Duvernay
All quotes →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.
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I didn't go to film school. I got my education on the set as a niche publicist in the film industry.
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I think for female filmmakers a big issue is making their second and third films.
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When we say there's a dearth of women directors, it's not that there's a lack of women who direct: it's a lack of opportunities and access for women to direct and be supported in that.
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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 DuvernayRead
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