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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.
Ava Duvernay
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the importance of providing opportunities for women in directing roles rather than questioning their capabilities.

Ava Duvernay emphasizes that the perceived shortage of women directors stems not from a lack of talent or interest among women, but rather from systemic barriers, including limited opportunities and inadequate support within the film industry. This quote calls attention to the need for equitable access in a field where women are underrepresented, encouraging a shift in how the industry operates to foster diverse leadership.

Themes

WomenDirectorsOpportunitiesAccessFilmSupport

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote during a panel discussion on gender equality in the film industry.

More from Ava Duvernay

There's a belonging problem in Hollywood. Who dictates who belongs? The very body who dictates that looks all one way.
Ava DuvernayRead
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
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
I think that if we really want to break it down, that non-black filmmakers have had many, many years and many, many opportunities to tell many, many stories about themselves, and black filmmakers have not had as many years, as many opportunities, as many films to explore the nuances of our reality.
Ava DuvernayRead

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