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Ava DuVernay Talks the Healing Power of Film When Confronting America’s Traumas

By Ruhama Wolle
Glamour
January 12, 2024
By darcostudio
January 12, 2024

Alongside her groundbreaking film Origin, DuVernay invites audiences into a first-of-its-kind MasterClass, offering an exclusive look at her filmmaking process and insight into authentic leadership.

Ava DuVernay etched her name in history during the 80th Venice International Film Festival, as her groundbreaking film Origin shattered barriers as the first-ever selection directed by a Black woman for the prestigious competition. DuVernay defied expectations by weaving a compelling nonfiction narrative inspired by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste.

Building on her legacy of tackling challenging topics in American history through works like Selma and When They See Us, DuVernay brings her directorial prowess to the forefront in her latest film. In Origin, she navigates profound explorations of prejudice while weaving a narrative of love and grief in the face of personal loss. Her directorial prowess shines through in this epic portrayal of interconnected social hierarchies that transcends both time and geography. From the tragic killing of Trayvon Martin to the intricacies of Indian castes and the haunting echoes of the Holocaust, DuVernay seamlessly connects these disparate threads, offering a thought-provoking examination of the shared human experience.

In addition to exploring the filmmaking process behind Origin, we spoke with DuVernay about her collaboration with MasterClass. This first-of-its-kind class offers aspiring creatives and leaders a unique opportunity to witness the making of the film and learn from DuVernay’s insights on authentic leadership, team dynamics, and achieving extraordinary outcomes. Filmed over six months the class showcases her methods for identifying, developing, and executing a vision toward success. Subscribers will have unlimited access to more than 200 instructors with an annual membership.

Read below for Glamour‘s conversation with DuVernay for an for an in-depth look at the film’s storytelling, her directorial insights, the groundbreaking MasterClass collaboration, and the keys to achieving extraordinary success.

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