By Iris Mbok, Year 12
Almost every single person you have encountered in your lifetime has sat down and relaxed for 1 to 2 hours to stare at a screen and immerse themselves into a different reality. Whether it’s a documentary, movie or tv show, film is a worldwide form of art that has been a vessel for self expression since the 1910s. This past weekend, Ava DuVernay, an American filmmaker, screenwriter and producer, most famously known for directing award-winning works such as Selma, 13th and When They See Us, spoke at the “Théâtre Pitoëff” in Geneva, Switzerland. Here she received the Geneva Film Festival award, giving insight on the process of filmmaking and its impact.
To begin with, DuVernay stated that unlike many directors who are keen on respecting the traditional way of experiencing film, she is indifferent to how people watch her works. She is simply happy with the idea that her work can be accessible to a larger audience, whether it is on a phone, streaming services or in cinemas. She then proceeded to recount an interaction at the Oscar awards with filmmaker Christopher Nolan, most famously known for directing the popular 2023 film Oppenheimer, where he expressed that film should only be experienced in a cinema. Placing emphasis on the unique and engaging atmosphere that theatres provide which cannot be replicated on smaller screens or distracting environments.
When asked about her opinion on multiple directors interpreting similar narratives via film, DuVernay furthermore answered in a nuanced, open-minded manner. African-American history, black pride and excellence, are all key trends in DuVernay’s works, which document centuries of systemic oppression faced by Black Americans and shines them in a powerful, resilient light. In contrast, other directors specialising in this niche, historically-rooted segment of the film industry, have taken a different approach in showcasing the black experience in America, leading to controversy and polarised discussions. In past decades, the film industry has witnessed a rise in film that represents the Black American experience in a ghetto, “thug-like” way, causing some to believe that these types of shows, movies and documentaries further reinforce damaging stereotypes surrounding black people and do not reflect the true, African-American lived experience. When asked to comment on the matter, DuVernay expressed that film should be produced and enjoyed from multiple perspectives, which is one of the many reasons why she loves the art of it. The 50 time award winner then went on to add that her portrayal of the Black American experience naturally, will not resonate with all African Americans and for that she is more than happy to have multiple artists alongside her aiding her in capturing the vast spectrum of what it truly means to be black in America.
Finally, when asked what differentiates her film making process to other producers, she stated that she tries to create an inclusive environment where women, especially those of diverse backgrounds have a voice in the production process. She then humorously helped the audience envision what the average day looks like on set with Ava DuVernay. From women carrying construction equipment as opposed to a “strong man”, to voicing their input on scenes, DuVernay accurately depicted a modern, 21st century approach to the art of film.
Film is a constantly evolving art appreciated worldwide. Ava DuVernay’s reflections this past weekend at the Geneva Film Festival stand as a testament to the beauty of this industry.
