No wonder DuVernay has been one of the most in-demand celebrities—and warm and accessible to boot—among the young filmmakers thronging the 21st edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival where she participated in a conversation with the French producer, writer, actor and costume designer Rosalie Varda.
A publicist turned filmmaker, DuVernay started off by making documentaries. She hit the spotlight on becoming the first African-American woman to win the directing award in the US dramatic competition at the Sundance Film Festival for her second feature film Middle of Nowhere (2012). She went on to make the 2014 historical drama Selma, which was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar and won the Academy Award for Best Song.
Politically aware, socially conscious and outspoken, she took a dig on stage at the Marrakech conversation on Donald Trump, Elon Musk and the double standards of the US judicial system.
Whether she was aware of the support being provided to young Dalit film professionals and musicians by Tamil filmmaker Pa Ranjith, she was quick to admit her ignorance while being as agile in stating the need to form solidarities on such efforts and requesting for names of his organisations—Neelam Cultural Centre and The Casteless Collective.
In this conversation, she dwelled on a range of issues, including how she handled a complex topic like the caste system in her film Origin, the significance of streaming platforms like Netflix, and more.
Excerpts:
This story is from the December 05, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Kochi.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 05, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Kochi.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Fire at Maha Kumbh after cylinder blast guts 40 tents
A major fire broke out on Sunday in the Mahakumbh area of Prayagraj on Sunday, police said, adding that there was no report of any casualty.
Person from OBC community appointed Ashtapadi singer at Guruvayur temple
ASHTAPADI SONGS when the sanctum is closed for rituals is an ancient tradition still in practice at the Sree Krishna temple in Guruvayur. For several years, it has been the right of certain families in and around Guruvayur to sing Ashtapadi for Lord Krishna. However, the Guruvayur Devaswom has scripted history by appointing a person from an Other Backward Classes (OBC) community to the post.
Portal alleges Hindenburg's link with fund
NATE Anderson, 'activist' short-seller who has announced shutting down his almost eight years old research firm Hindenburg, is under cloud for alleged links with hedge funds in preparing reports targeting companies, a Canadian portal said citing documents filed before a court in Ontario.
Gunfight Breaks Out in Baramulla, First This Year
A gunfight between security forces and terrorists broke out on Sunday in Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, the first encounter this year.
Govt May Table Waqf Bill During Budget Session After JPC Submits Report
The Centre is likely to introduce the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill during the Budget session, scheduled to begin on January 31 and continue with recesses till April 4.
Global leaders keen on India's growth story: Vaishnaw ahead of Davos visit
UNION Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday highlighted the significant global interest in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's economic policies, which are set to take centre-stage during discussions at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Govt set to take full control of SmartCity Kochi
A MONTH after the appointment of a committee to finalise the contours of the withdrawal of Tecom Investments from the joint venture, the Kerala government is set to take over the SmartCity Kochi project in a move that enables the government access to the 246-acre IT park at Kakkanad.
Mysterious illness toll rises to 17, Centre's team reaches Rajouri
A high-level inter-ministerial team formed by Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday visited J&K's Rajouri district where a mysterious illness is wreaking havoc, killing another person in Budhal village and taking the death toll to 17.
FC Goa Secure Narrow Win Over East Bengal FC
FC Goa defeated East Bengal FC by 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Sunday.
Free mobile gift sets back techie ₹2.8 cr
CYBER fraudsters have introduced a new scam, sending unsuspecting victims a free mobile or tablet, claiming it's a gift from a bank.