There's a belonging problem in Hollywood. Who dictates who belongs? The very body who dictates that looks all one way.
Ava DuvernayRead
Especially when we're dealing with issues of race, culture, identity, and history, the time has passed for the 'white savior' holding the black person's hand through their own history.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the notion of the 'white savior' in addressing racial and cultural issues, advocating for self-empowerment.
Ava Duvernay emphasizes that in discussions about race, culture, and identity, it is no longer acceptable for those from privileged backgrounds to assume a savior role over marginalized communities. Instead, it calls for recognizing and supporting the agency of individuals within those communities to reclaim and understand their own histories.
Themes
RaceIdentityHistoryEmpowermentCultureSaviorAgency
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on diversity, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of understanding individual histories.
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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