Persuasion as a means of creativity

To make a film, you must convince people of your vision. And this is harder than making the film itself.

Ava DuVernay · Кино · Ava Duvernay on Pitching Your Film

Ava DuVernay

American film director, screenwriter and producer known for films about racial justice and social movements.

Stories as an act of resistance — Ava DuVernay
When I film, I fight. I fight against oblivion, against inertia, against untruth. Cinema is a weapon.
Path as recognition of calling — Ava DuVernay
Life leads you where you need to be. I did not choose cinema, cinema chose me.
Origins as the key to understanding — Ava DuVernay
Origin is an attempt to understand the roots of systemic oppression. You cannot heal what you do not understand.
Money as an instrument of justice — Ava DuVernay
If we control budgets, we control stories. And if we control stories, we control the future.
13th Amendment as the beginning of a conversation — Ava DuVernay
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, but did not end the story. It is simply a chapter in a book that continues.
Fiction as a path to truth — Ava DuVernay
Sometimes truth requires fiction. A feature film can reveal what a documentary cannot.

Documenting History — Questlove
As a documentarian, I feel a responsibility to preserve the history of Black music and culture
All Music Is Folk Music — Louis Armstrong
All music is folk music. I ain't never heard a horse sing a song.
The Power of Compassion — Michael Jackson
The most important thing is love and compassion. They override everything.
The Art of Service — John Legend
As an artist, I see my role as serving humanity and raising my voice for justice
Music Is Life — Jon Batiste
Music is a spiritual practice, a therapy, a way to connect us to ourselves and each other
Compromise and Conscience — Bob Dylan
I'll never sell my soul for money or fame. It's my only true asset.