Ava DuVernay: Hope and Excellence

In The Business, a film podcast hosted by Kim Masters, Masters interviewed director Ava DuVernay about her many projects, including her recently Oscar nominated documentary 13^th, a film that sheds light on much of the injustice enacted upon African Americans throughout history that still continues today. Ava DuVernay is the first African American woman to have her film nominated for best documentary at the Academy Awards.

When talking about 13^th, DuVernay mentioned that she never anticipated how relevant it would be, considering that the United States has now entered a regime of hard core conservatism, oppression, and fear all directed towards minorities. She said, “13^th is now bumping up against this moment in history in a way that’s even more resonant than anything I could have imagined, unfortunately…” When discussing the political weight of the film and its appearance at the Oscars DuVernay mentioned how she is excited to see how this event will allow for the expression of rational, forward-thinking filmmakers on both sides of the aisle (conservative and liberal). She mentioned that this is a point in history that will studied about for years in the text books, so it is of vital importance to be aware.

DuVernay is also working on Disney’s A Wrinkle In Time, which is expected to be released in 2018. This is her largest film yet, at least in the sense of a budget. When asked if this was intimidating, DuVernay asserted that it was like making any other film. She feels relaxed.

DuVernay symbolizes the hope for modern film. She shows talent and a reasoned mind and serves as a champion for not only African Americans, but also women. One can only hope that the film industry can recognize her brilliance and push for more opportunities for women and African Americans. It is clear more excellent stories can be told by minorities. They deserve a chance.

Moonlight: Why Does It Seem So Real?

One of the most difficult questions to answer when making a film, particularly about a subject or topic that seems foreign, is “How do I make this story and character authentic?” Writers (at least good writers) struggle with this question all the time. It’s a very fine line between real and phony.

The Business, a podcast series hosted by Kim Masters for KCRW Radio, brushed on this topic when interviewing the filmmakers of Moonlight: writer/director Barry Jenkins and producer Adele Romanski. Moonlight is a story of a young, black, gay man searching for identity in Miami, Florida. Barry explains how he was able to create such a gripping and honest character, even though, as a straight man, he has never had the experience of being a homosexual in a straight world.

Barry’s Moonlight was heavily inspired by a play called In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, written by Tarell Alvin McCraney several years earlier. Barry’s secret to keeping Moonlight genuine was Tarell’s play. Tarell, being a homosexual, provided Barry the voice that was needed to tell an authentic and daring tale about a black, homosexual boy struggling through adolescence. Barry also took from his own personal experiences of growing up in Miami. By combining his stories with Tarell’s spirit, he was able to create a brilliant and daring work of art.

Moonlight has grabbed the attention of the film industry. It took Best Picture at Golden Globes, and it is nominated for Best Picture at the 89^th Academy Awards. Barry was stunned and surprised that such an avant-garde subject was received so well by so many people.

Artists must challenge themselves and venture into unknown territory before they write about an unfamiliar subject. Great filmmakers will meet different people and explore a multitude of paradigms before embarking on a mission to tell a remarkable story. Barry Jenkins did just that with Moonlight, and he has received much critical acclaim as a result.