She successfully transitioned from film publicist to filmmaker with her own production company the African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM) and her second film, “Middle of Nowhere” earned her the directing award at Sundance.
Ava DuVernay
DuVernay was recently honored along with filmmakers Salim Akil, Will Packer and Rob Hardy at Uptown Magazine’s pre-Oscar gala which was held at the Unici Casa Gallery in Culver City.
Ava, Will and Mara Brock Akil
Guests included Regina Hall, Vanessa Williams, La La Anthony, Sheldon Candis, Johnny Ray Gill, Adepero Oduye, Rebecca Crews and David Oyelowo, the star of “Middle of Nowhere.”
“She did an incredible job in 2012 with “Middle of Nowhere,” Oyelowo told Trendy Africa. “I think the film is worthy of a best original screenplay nomination and I am sad there wasn’t more recognition so I will take every opportunity to celebrate her because I think she is worthy of it.”
David Oyelowo and Adepero Oduye
Fellow filmmaker Rebecca Crews and wife of Hollywood actor Terry Crews who cites DuVernay as an inspiration also shared her thoughts on the honor. “Ava is a remarkable woman who followed her passion to direct films and has accomplished a monumental feat in a small amount of time,” shared Crews. “As a female in the industry, who produces as well, it really speaks to the power of a dream and it is important not to let anyone tell you what you can’t do.”
Vanessa Williams
DuVernay’s latest project “The Door” is a series of compelling short films exploring the feminine love affair with Miu Miu, a high fashion brand of women’s clothing line and features actresses Gabrielle Union, Alfre Woodard, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Adepero Oduye and singer-songwriter Goapele.
Actor Johnny Ray Gill
“She is truly one of the most exciting directorial voices to come out of 2012,” says David Oyelowo, star of DuVernay’s movie “Middle of Nowhere.”
Samantha Ofole-Prince is a journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film. She serves as the Entertainment Editor for Trendy Africa.
Photo Credit: Malcolm Ali / Finaimage.com
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