Ava DuVernay has always been an outspoken voice when it comes to diversity in Hollywood. She also puts her money where her mouth is, not only creating great work herself, but helping other women and creators of color have their work seen by audiences. Last year, her L.A.-based grassroots film collective relaunched itself as Array, and it released two feature films theatrically. Those films are now available for all of us to enjoy via Netflix.
The first film is called Ayanda. Directed by Sara Blecher the story of a 21-year-old woman in Johannesburg, South Africa named Ayanda (Fulu Mugovhani), fighting to save the car repair shop her father left her when he passed away.
The second film, directed by Takeshi Fukunaga, is called Out of My Hand. This one tells a story about life after being a child soldier, as it follows its main character from a Liberian rubber plantation to the “Little Liberia” neighborhood of Staten Island, New York.
Both films are currently available on Netflix, and it’s really heartening to know that – between efforts from prominent filmmakers like DuVernay, and the access that streaming services like Netflix provide – it’s a great time for female creators and creators of color. Here’s hoping that more prominent filmmakers join DuVernay in making opportunities for others a priority.
(via Okayafrica, image via WBEZ/Flickr)
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