How film changes the way we see the world | Ava DuVernay | Ted Talks Daily

Intro

In this episode of Ted Talks Daily, filmmaker Ava DuVernay discusses her ambitious film inspired by Isabelle Wilkerson’s book “Cast.” She shares her journey in adapting the book, the themes explored in the film, and the importance of representation in the film industry.

Main Takeaways

Adapting a Complex Book

• Eva DuVernay was drawn to the complex and challenging nature of Isabelle Wilkerson’s book “Cast.”
• Despite the book being considered unadaptable, DuVernay found inspiration in its stories and characters.
• She aimed to emphasize the commonalities of human challenges and the potential for combating social ills.

The Film’s Narrative and Cast

• The film intertwines Isabelle Wilkerson’s life and work with the historical context of “Cast.”
• Real actors, including Anjaneu Ellis as Isabel Wilkerson, bring the narrative to life.
• The film weaves together deep historical theories and social phenomena with a love story and family dynamics.

Independence and Empowering Young Audiences

• DuVernay raised money independently for the film, showcasing the power of independence.
• She emphasized the importance of ensuring the film reaches the audience and desired every 16-year-old in the country to see it for free.
• A website called Seat16.com was created to enable 16-year-olds to access the film for free, empowering young people to be autonomous in their learning and exploration.

Ava DuVernay’s Commitment to Learning and Representation

• DuVernay believes in continuous learning and being a student throughout life.
• She aims to share revelatory truths through her work, highlighting films like “13th” and “When They See Us.”
• DuVernay emphasizes the powerful impact of images in film on the audience’s imagination and emotions.

Creating Opportunities and Liberated Territories

• DuVernay has created her own studio, Array, to empower people of color in the film industry.
• Array serves as a community space in Los Angeles and has created Array Crew, a database providing opportunities for underrepresented groups.
• The concept of “liberated territory” is discussed, emphasizing the importance of finding a space, physical or internal, where one can be courageous and fulfill their aspirations.

Summary

Adapting a Complex Book

Ava DuVernay was captivated by the complex and challenging nature of Isabelle Wilkerson’s book “Cast,” which many considered unadaptable. Despite this, DuVernay found inspiration in the book’s stories and characters. She aimed to emphasize the commonalities of human challenges and the potential for combating social ills.

The Film’s Narrative and Cast

DuVernay used Isabelle Wilkerson’s life and work as the impetus for the film, intertwining it with the historical context of “Cast.” The film features real actors, including Anjaneu Ellis as Isabel Wilkerson, and weaves together deep historical theories and social phenomena with a love story and family dynamics.

Independence and Empowering Young Audiences

Instead of approaching studios, DuVernay raised money independently for the film about “Cast,” showcasing the power of independence. She expressed a desire for every 16-year-old in the country to see the film for free and created Seat16.com, a website enabling young people to access the film and empowering them to be autonomous in their learning and exploration.

Ava DuVernay’s Commitment to Learning and Representation

DuVernay believes in continuous learning and being a student throughout life. She aims to share revelatory truths through her work, as seen in films like “13th” and “When They See Us.” DuVernay emphasizes the powerful impact of images in film on the audience’s imagination and emotions.

Creating Opportunities and Liberated Territories

Ava DuVernay has created her own studio, Array, to empower people of color in the film industry. Array serves as a community space in Los Angeles and has created Array Crew, a database providing opportunities for underrepresented groups. The concept of “liberated territory” is discussed, highlighting the importance of finding a space, physical or internal, where one can be courageous and fulfill their aspirations.

Conclusion

Ava DuVernay’s film adaptation of Isabelle Wilkerson’s book “Cast” explores complex themes and challenges social norms. Through her independent approach and commitment to representation, DuVernay aims to empower young audiences and create a space for diverse voices in the film industry. Her work serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the potential for film to change the way we see the world.