How Film Changes the Way We See the World | Ava DuVernay | TED

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Ava DuVernay discusses her adaptation of Isabel Wilkerson's book 'Caste' into a narrative film, sharing her creative journey and challenges. DuVernay explains how the book's complex themes about social oppression and interconnectedness inspired her to create a film that explores history, caste systems, and human connection. She also reflects on the importance of independent filmmaking, education, and mentorship, while emphasizing her desire to create liberated spaces for creativity. With a focus on personal growth and openness, DuVernay invites audiences to engage deeply with her film and its powerful messages.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ava DuVernay took on the challenge of adapting Isabel Wilkerson's book 'Caste' into a narrative film, despite the common belief that it was unadaptable.
• 😀 DuVernay was drawn to the book due to its complex themes about social oppression and the interconnectedness of various struggles for justice.
• 😀 The film adaptation explores the historical theories of caste while following the personal story of Isabel Wilkerson and her love for her family.
• 😀 Aunjanue Ellis, who stars as Isabel Wilkerson, was a key part of the film’s success, and DuVernay highlights the importance of collaborating with talented actors in independent projects.
• 😀 DuVernay raised the necessary funding for the film independently, which allowed for greater creative freedom and flexibility during production.
• 😀 The film aims to provide free access to every 16-year-old in the country through a website, seat16.com, enabling young people to engage with its important themes.
• 😀 DuVernay emphasizes the need for continual learning, even as an adult, and the responsibility to educate oneself outside the traditional school system.
• 😀 Through making 'Caste,' DuVernay learned about the Dalit community in India and how caste-based oppression persists today, contrary to her previous understanding.
• 😀 DuVernay's work, including films like '13th' and 'When They See Us,' always aims to reveal important truths about society, with 'Caste' continuing that tradition.
• 😀 DuVernay's production company, ARRAY, serves as a community-based space where diverse filmmakers and crew members are supported and given opportunities.
• 😀 DuVernay reflects on her own journey as a filmmaker, noting the importance of mentorship, collaborative efforts, and finding one's 'liberated territory' where creative freedom can thrive.

Q & A

What inspired Ava DuVernay to adapt Isabel Wilkerson's book 'Caste' into a narrative film?

Ava DuVernay was inspired by the book 'Caste' because of its challenging thesis, which explores how oppression is interconnected across different groups. The book frustrated her at first, but after reading it multiple times, she felt a strong connection to its themes and wanted to bring its deep historical theories and social phenomena to life in a narrative format.

How does Ava DuVernay describe the process of making the film adaptation of 'Caste'?

Ava DuVernay describes the process as one where she 'got in a groove,' feeling that everything fit together seamlessly. She compared it to a friend who can make a meal out of seemingly unrelated ingredients, implying that her work on this film felt uniquely natural and inspired.

Why did Ava DuVernay choose Aunjanue Ellis as the lead actress for the film?

Ava DuVernay chose Aunjanue Ellis because she is an extraordinary actor who had recently been nominated for an Academy Award for her role in 'King Richard.' DuVernay believed Ellis would be a perfect partner for the independent film, especially considering the challenges of working with limited resources and a tight production schedule.

What unique approach did Ava DuVernay take to funding the film?

Ava DuVernay and her team raised the funding for the film independently, bypassing traditional studio routes. This allowed them more creative freedom, though it also meant operating with limited financial resources. DuVernay celebrated the independence of the project and the flexibility it provided.

What is Ava DuVernay's goal for the accessibility of the film 'Caste'?

Ava DuVernay's goal is to ensure that every 16-year-old in the country can see the film for free. She created a website, seat16.com, where people can purchase tickets for 16-year-olds, making the film accessible to a younger audience for educational purposes.

What did Ava DuVernay learn while making the film that was new to her?

Ava DuVernay learned about the Dalit people in India and the concept of 'untouchables,' which she had previously misunderstood as a thing of the past. She was shocked to discover the ongoing struggles faced by Dalits, which she explores in the film.

How does Ava DuVernay approach the creation of her films, according to the interview?

Ava DuVernay emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge through film. She is a voracious reader who transforms what she learns into films, believing that images convey ideas and emotions in ways that words alone cannot.

What is the philosophy behind the creation of Ava DuVernay's ARRAY studio?

ARRAY is a community-oriented space where DuVernay and her team create films that reflect their values and ideas. It is described as a 'mom-and-pop' store where creativity is nurtured, and diverse voices, particularly from people of color and marginalized communities, are supported through initiatives like ARRAY Crew.

What is 'liberated territory,' and how does Ava DuVernay relate to it?

Liberated territory is a concept introduced by DuVernay's mentor, Haile Gerima. It refers to finding a space, either physical or mental, where a person can thrive creatively and be courageous in their ideas. DuVernay has embraced this concept in her work and personal life, creating her own 'liberated territory' through film and the space she has cultivated with ARRAY.

What is Ava DuVernay's current outlook on her future projects?

For the first time in her career, Ava DuVernay is uncertain about her next project. She expressed that it's okay to not have a clear direction after completing 'Caste' and that she feels content with the work she has done. She emphasized the importance of taking time to reflect and not feeling pressured to always have the next project lined up.