Ava DuVernay has the magic. She wields the most powerful medium yet created, film, with the might of a conqueror. Her latest film, The 13th, is about the egregious incarceration rate in the US — most especially of black males. The 13th is the first documentary ever selected to open the New York Film Festival — in its half-century-plus existence. The 13th is also the first film by an American woman or an African American to open the prestigious festival. It’s a triple achievement that was shouted out on social media by DuVernay’s friend Oprah Winfrey, who said DuVernay was “on fi-ah.” (DuVernay responded: “Seeing you write the word “fire” like this might be one of the best things ever, my friend.”)
So proud of @AVAETC first documentarian, first American woman and first African American to open NY Film Fest! This woman in s on FI-ah!
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) July 21, 2016
It’s a good thing DuVernay has the magic and the power, because the subjects and stories she chooses are imperative, necessary narratives. This is DuVernay’s first film since the important, deeply moving Selma. The US incarceration rate wildly exceeds that of other nations, developed and not. The NY Film Festival begins September 30 and The 13th will be available on Netflix on October 7.
Standing with #FreedomNow. Today. Tomorrow. Always. For everyone. pic.twitter.com/aG5H1Sgt6I
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) July 21, 2016
