Ava DuVernay is an Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning director.  This morning, she was on CBS Mornings discussing her new movie, Origin (2024), which was adapted from Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson’s book “Caste.

I was already interested in seeing this film when I learned it received a 9-minute standing ovation at the 2023 Venice Film Festival. I was more motivated after I watched Ms. DuVernay’s compelling description of the book and the film. The full interview (8 min) is at the bottom of this post.

Isabel Wilkerson’s book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent” examines the roots of racism and oppression. Caste refers to a social heirarchy that determines one’s power and status. It is the foundation of all “isms” – racism, sexism, antisemitism, homophobia, etc…  Director DuVernay describes the book as a “dense cultural thesis.”  

Most folks expected Wilkerson’s book would be made into a documentary.  DuVernay chose, instead, to make a biographical drama because it ” is the loudest, most emotional art form … It is the way that we can really express the ideas emotionally…” 

The film follows Ms. Wilkerson as she travels the world researching the roots of racism and oppression.  This film explores three geograpical areas,  India, America  (mostly Slavery in the South) and Nazi Germany, and “how they intersect with that same foundation of someone being better than someone else.”

I was particularly impressed (and intriqued) with how DuVernoy financed the film. Instead of approaching traditional investors for films, she asked philanthropists who are interested in doing social good.

Having trouble finding this film?  Feel free to contact me (Nancy Watson).

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