# Ava DuVernay

> American film director

**Wikidata**: [Q4827381](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4827381)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ava_DuVernay)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ava-duvernay

## Summary
Ava DuVernay is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for her work in independent and narrative films. She has directed acclaimed projects like *When They See Us* (2019), a Netflix miniseries based on the Central Park Five case, and *Selma* (2014), a biographical drama about the voting rights movement. DuVernay is recognized for her ability to bring historical and social justice themes to the forefront of film.

## Biography
- Born: August 24, 1972, in Long Beach, California
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Known for: Directing socially impactful films and television projects
- Employer(s): Independent film producer; affiliated with UCLA
- Field(s): Film direction, screenwriting, television production

## Contributions
- Directed *When They See Us* (2019), a Netflix miniseries based on the Central Park Five case, which won the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award.
- Directed *Selma* (2014), a biographical drama about the voting rights movement, which earned her recognition and awards.
- Produced and developed *A Wrinkle in Time* (2018), a film adaptation of the novel by Madeleine L’Engle.
- Created and directed *Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life* (2016), a documentary series about the challenges of middle school.
- Received the Time 100 recognition in 2019 for her contributions to film and social justice.

## FAQs
**What is Ava DuVernay known for?**
Ava DuVernay is known for directing socially impactful films and television projects, including *When They See Us* and *Selma*, which bring historical and social justice themes to the forefront of film.

**Where did Ava DuVernay study?**
Ava DuVernay attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

**What awards has Ava DuVernay won?**
Ava DuVernay has won the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award for *When They See Us* and has been recognized by Time 100 for her contributions to film and social justice.

**What is Ava DuVernay's most famous film?**
Ava DuVernay's most famous film is *Selma* (2014), a biographical drama about the voting rights movement.

## Why They Matter
Ava DuVernay matters because she has used her platform as a filmmaker to shed light on important social and historical issues. Her work, such as *When They See Us* and *Selma*, has brought attention to the Central Park Five case and the voting rights movement, respectively. By directing films that challenge societal norms and advocate for justice, DuVernay has influenced the film industry and inspired audiences to engage with important stories.

## Notable For
- Winner of the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award for *When They See Us* (2019).
- Recipient of the Time 100 recognition in 2019 for her contributions to film and social justice.
- Director of *Selma* (2014), a biographical drama about the voting rights movement.
- Producer and developer of *A Wrinkle in Time* (2018), a film adaptation of the novel by Madeleine L’Engle.
- Creator and director of *Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life* (2016), a documentary series about middle school challenges.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
- Born on August 24, 1972, in Long Beach, California.
- Attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she studied film.

### Career Beginnings
- Started her career in film as a screenwriter and producer.
- Worked on independent films and television projects before transitioning to directing.

### Breakthrough Projects
- Directed *Selma* (2014), a biographical drama about the voting rights movement, which earned her critical acclaim and awards.
- Directed *When They See Us* (2019), a Netflix miniseries based on the Central Park Five case, which won the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award.

### Television and Documentary Work
- Created and directed *Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life* (2016), a documentary series about the challenges of middle school.
- Produced and developed *A Wrinkle in Time* (2018), a film adaptation of the novel by Madeleine L’Engle.

### Awards and Recognition
- Won the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award for *When They See Us*.
- Recognized by Time 100 in 2019 for her contributions to film and social justice.
- Received the Dorothy Arzner Directors Award and the VH1 Trailblazer Honors for her work in film.

### Influence and Legacy
- Ava DuVernay has influenced the film industry by bringing socially impactful stories to the forefront.
- Her work has inspired audiences to engage with important historical and social issues.
- Continues to produce and direct films that advocate for justice and equality.

## References

1. datos.bne.es
2. [Source](https://www.sundance.org/blogs/news/2012-sundance-film-festival-awards/)
3. [Source](https://www.today.com/news/time-reveals-100-most-influential-people-2017-check-out-full-t110588)
4. [WIF Awards Retrospective. 2020](https://womeninfilm.org/updates/wif-awards-retrospective/)
5. general catalog of BnF
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Munzinger Personen
8. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2017)
9. CONOR.SI
10. BBC Things
11. Google Knowledge Graph
12. The Movie Database
13. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/ava-duvernay-107a4TBk4H/appearances)