There's a belonging problem in Hollywood. Who dictates who belongs? The very body who dictates that looks all one way.
Ava DuvernayRead
In Hollywood, there is one dominant voice. It is a white, male, straight gaze. When I talk about positive portrayals of black people and women, I'm saying complexity. I'm not saying goody-two-shoes, everything's okay. No. The positive view of me is to see me as I am: the 'good,' the 'bad,' the gray. That is a positive portrayal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ava Duvernay emphasizes the importance of complex and genuine portrayals of marginalized groups in media.
In this quote, Ava Duvernay critiques the oversimplified and often stereotypical representation of black individuals and women in Hollywood, advocating for a more nuanced and realistic depiction of their identities. She argues that a truly positive portrayal acknowledges the full spectrum of humanity, including both strengths and flaws, rather than conforming to sanitized expectations that do not reflect reality.
Themes
RepresentationComplexityPortrayalDiversityInclusion
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a panel discussion about representation in media.
More from Ava Duvernay
All quotes →I just don't think there's a lot of support for the woman's voice in cinema, and it becomes really difficult to raise that money and start again every time.
Ava DuvernayRead
I didn't go to film school. I got my education on the set as a niche publicist in the film industry.
Ava DuvernayRead
I think for female filmmakers a big issue is making their second and third films.
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When we say there's a dearth of women directors, it's not that there's a lack of women who direct: it's a lack of opportunities and access for women to direct and be supported in that.
Ava DuvernayRead
I intend to be making films until I'm an old lady. So, if God willing I get there, I need to create a paradigm for myself where I can make it regardless of whether or not they still like what I'm making.
Ava DuvernayRead
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