Ava DuVernay

“I was a publicist for other people's movies.”

“All black women aren't sassy, loud, difficult, or subservient. We are, in fact, very complex and very diverse, living very complex and diverse lives. That point cannot be made enough.”

“All the films I do, I write the scripts, I direct.”

“I'm interested in seeing artists whom I respect who are very focused on the Black Lives Matter moment, bringing that into storytelling in a way that really amplifies the beauty and the human...”

“When we're talking about diversity, it's not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us.”

“There's something very important about films about black women and girls being made by black women. It's a reflection as opposed to an interpretation.”

“It's emotional for artists who are women and people of color to have less value placed on our worldview.”

“If your dream is only about you, it's too small.”