Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay is a groundbreaking American director, producer, and writer known for exploring the African American experience in her notable works such as Selma, 13th, and When They See Us.

Director

August 24, 1972

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Ava DuVernay, an American filmmaker and director, is renowned for addressing socially and politically relevant issues in her work. Some of her most notable projects include the documentary “13th,” the drama “Selma,” and directing episodes of television shows such as “Queen Sugar” and “When They See Us.” DuVernay was the first black woman to receive the directing award at the Sundance Film Festival and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature for “13th.” In 2023, she made history as the first African American female director to premiere a film, “Origin,” in the main competition at the Venice Film Festival. Drawing inspiration from Isabel Wilkerson’s book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” “Origin” delves into the themes of segregation and inequality in America. Among DuVernay’s other accomplishments are serving as the guest artistic director at AFI Fest and founding her PR agency, The DuVernay Agency, prior to becoming a filmmaker. Notably, she broke barriers at the Venice Film Festival as the first female Black U.S. director to have a film in the main competition in the event’s 80-year history.