Award-winning director Ava DuVernay made history on Wednesday as the first African American woman to present a movie in competition at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. Despite skeptics who tried to dissuade her from applying, DuVernay’s powerful and thought-provoking film, ‘Origin,’ was showcased to audiences.
When speaking to reporters prior to the screening, DuVernay acknowledged the challenges faced by Black filmmakers in the industry. “As Black filmmakers, we are often told that people in other parts of the world don’t care about our stories,” she said. “I have been told countless times not to apply for Venice, but this year something remarkable happened. An African American woman made it into competition after eight decades.”
‘Origin’ is a fictionalized account of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson’s journey in writing her bestselling book, ‘Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.’ The film explores themes of race and deep-rooted discrimination through various historical settings, including Nazi Germany, Jim Crow segregation in the United States, and the plight of the Dalit ‘untouchable’ caste in India.
Shot in just 37 days, ‘Origin’ depicts the dehumanization and oppression experienced by lower-caste individuals throughout history, highlighting their struggles and lack of upward mobility. The film sheds light on important societal issues that readers must be aware of to avoid repeating historical mistakes.
DuVernay, known for her acclaimed film ‘Selma,’ initially started working on ‘Origin’ within a studio structure. However, she later turned it into an independent project, granting herself more artistic freedom, especially regarding casting choices. The film features Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor in the lead role, with Jon Bernthal portraying her husband. Real people, such as Indian scholar Suraj Yengde, also appear in the film.
Reflecting on her decision to go independent, DuVernay explained, “There is often an aspect of control in studio productions that may not always result in the best cast for the role. By working independently, I was able to assemble a cast of talented and dedicated actors who truly brought the characters to life.”
‘Origin’ is one of 23 films competing for the coveted Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival, which concludes on September 9. DuVernay’s groundbreaking achievement not only celebrates her talent as a director but also paves the way for greater representation and diversity in the film industry.