Ep 160: ARRAY with Ava DuVernay
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Ep 160: ARRAY with Ava DuVernay
Episode 160: Show Notes
In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, we are re-airing the captivating interview with renowned film director Ava DuVernay. Known for her groundbreaking work in movies like "Selma" and "13th," as well as the hit TV series "Queen Sugar," Ava has become a force in the industry.
Host Light Watkins takes us through Ava's inspiring journey, from her upbringing in South Central Los Angeles to her career in PR and her eventual leap of faith into directing and storytelling.
Ava shares how she overcame challenges, downsizing her life and making sacrifices to pursue her passion for filmmaking. Despite picking up a camera later in life, Ava's dedication to telling diverse and important stories shines through. She discusses the creation of her nonprofit organization, Array, which focuses on distributing films by people of color and women.
With numerous awards and nominations under her belt, Ava's message is clear: it's never too late to pursue your dreams. She emphasizes the importance of using your voice and platform to uplift others, a mission she has embraced throughout her career. Join Light Watkins as he delves into the remarkable life and work of one of today's most influential creative voices, Ava DuVernay.
Key Points From This Episode:
Ava's love of playing with Barbies with her sisters and the early form of world-building this fostered.
Family dynamics growing up and Ava's role as the oldest sibling.
Ava's early thoughts on careers and the gift that reflected these aspirations.
Childhood associations with Hollywood and the importance of arts and culture.
The first movie and music group that Ava fell in love with!
Ava's early connection to U2 and the amazing meetings and communications she has shared with Bono!
Family traits that Ava has inherited; storytelling, hard work, and responsibility.
Neighborhood politics and the radical action that Ava witnessed from a young age.
Ava's college years, her decision to attend UCLA, and her rap group, Figures of Speech.
The post-college period and the steps that Ava took into publicity business.
The reputation that Ava built up and what she became known for in her work.
Ava's journey towards a healthier sense of balance in her life.
The effect of the terminal diagnosis that Ava's aunt Denise received.
Ava's moment of realization on the set of Michael Mann's Collateral.
The beginnings of Ava's filmmaking career and how she started small.
Lifestyle changes, lane-switching, and doubling down on a career in filmmaking!
Ava's commitment to staying independent and the challenges this desire has posed.
The events that led up the making of Selma; coincidence, luck, and budgeting.
Ava's huge disappointment at losing her credit for the Selma script.
Passion and desperation; how people react differently to these two traits.
Offering value to people in positions of power instead of thinking of yourself.
Perspectives on success at this point — Ava's reflections on the pandemic.
Ava's experience of Light's book and the stand out moment for her while reading it.
Coming full circle in Ava's life and the wonder of having a Barbie Doll in her likeness!
Looking back at an unlikely story and why this keeps Ava grounded and grateful.
Tweetables:
“I’m starting to, at this age and in quarantine, really pay attention to the cyclical nature of life and how things that I’m experiencing now will land in a certain place that is beyond my control, but can be within my observation.” — @ava [0:19:58]
“I don't think about keeping people entertained as much as I think about what am I saying here.” — @ava [0:34:50]
“As a black woman-led company, our work has to be more excellent than everyone else, not because we want it to be, or we just like it that way, but we don't get second chances like our white male counterparts, so that's the way that we work.” — @ava [0:39:55]
“The truth is I have not lived a balanced life. I’ve embraced my work, because I’ve loved it so much and I felt like this makes me happier than anything else.” — @ava [0:42:11]
“You've got to embrace those steps and go through them and revel in them as you're going through them. Hear my voice in telling you, that is the good stuff.” — @ava [0:50:10]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: