There's a belonging problem in Hollywood. Who dictates who belongs? The very body who dictates that looks all one way.
To win Best Director at Sundance was beyond anything I could have imagined for myself. It's still an incredible feeling to know I won. But as happy as I am about winning, I also know many other women of color have directed amazing films over the years that were equally deserving and didn't win.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ava Duvernay reflects on her achievement while acknowledging the contributions of other talented women of color in filmmaking.
In this quote, Ava Duvernay expresses deep gratitude and surprise at winning the Best Director award at Sundance, a significant accomplishment in the film industry. However, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing the work of other women of color who have created remarkable films but have not received similar recognition, highlighting both the joy of her success and the need for greater inclusivity within the industry.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech celebrating diversity in film, this quote can be used to highlight the need for recognition of underrepresented filmmakers.
More from Ava Duvernay
All quotes βI 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.
I didn't go to film school. I got my education on the set as a niche publicist in the film industry.
I think for female filmmakers a big issue is making their second and third films.
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.
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.
Similar quotes
If I had to select one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being most highly correlated with success, whatever the field, I would pick the trait of persistence. Determination. The will to endure to the end, to get knocked down seventy times and get up off the floor saying, ''Here comes number seventy-one!''
I had little or no opportunity when I started out in life.
I think when I was younger, I wanted to be a star, until I became a star, and then it's a lot of work. It's work to be a star. I don't enjoy the stardom part. I only enjoy the creative process.
There are only two words that will always lead you to success. Those words are yes and no. Undoubtedly, you've mastered saying yes. So start practicing saying no. Your goals depend on it!
If he wins seven golds and ties what I did, then it would be like I was the first man on the moon and he became the second. If he wins more than seven, then he becomes the first man on Mars. We'd both be unique.
Always asked, 'Whats the key to success?' The key is, there is no key. Be humble, hungry and always be the hardest worker in the room.