There's a belonging problem in Hollywood. Who dictates who belongs? The very body who dictates that looks all one way.
Ava DuvernayRead
You could make the most beautiful film, and that weekend it's raining too hard on the East Coast, and no one goes out. Artists should have a chance to do it again. That's the challenge: Women artists don't get a second chance. People-of-color artists don't get a second chance. You're put in director's jail, and that's a wrap.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the challenges faced by marginalized artists who may not have the opportunity to succeed after a setback.
Ava Duvernay emphasizes the inequities in the artistic world, where external circumstances like weather can impact the success of a film, but particularly calls attention to the systemic barriers that prevent women and artists of color from having second chances in their careers. This notion of 'director's jail' encapsulates the struggle of these artists who often face a harsher judgment and fewer opportunities compared to their counterparts.
Themes
ArtOpportunityMarginalizationSecond ChancesInequity
In practice
Example use cases
A filmmaker could use this quote during a panel discussion about representation in the film industry.
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.
Ava DuvernayRead
I didn't go to film school. I got my education on the set as a niche publicist in the film industry.
Ava DuvernayRead
I think for female filmmakers a big issue is making their second and third films.
Ava DuvernayRead
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.
Ava DuvernayRead
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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