Ava DuVernay has done so many great things in her career it is hard to say that she is just getting started, but in many ways Ms. DuVernay is just hitting her stride. DuVernay has made her name in the entertainment industry as a marketer, publicist, film maker and business owner. She started her own marketing firm The DuVernay Agency (DVA) over 10 years ago and has directed her firm to numerous awards. DVA Media has provided services to more than 80 film and television campaigns for directors to include Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood and Michael Mann.
Not to be outdone by her clients DuVernay ventured into her own level of film making, breaking through with the critically-acclaimed 2008 hip hop documentary, “This is The Life.” Her passion for film making and for black independent film led her to start the African American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM).
The first film released under the AFFRM was DuVernay's own "I Will Follow". DuVernay made "I Will Follow" in 15 days and funded the project with her own money. Released in March 2011 the film is highly rated among fans and critics alike, and is an official selection of AFI Fest, Chicago International Film Festival, RiverRun Film Festival and winner of Urbanworld Film Festival for Narrative Audience Award.
In addition to her myriad of other credits DuVernay is also the co-founder of Hello Beautiful, one of the most popular websites on the Internet showcasing relevant news, culture and lifestyle stories to empowering and entertain millions of African American women. With so much talent, compassion, diversity and drive, there is no other way to describe Ava DuVernay except for a beautiful black woman and we are proud to feature her here.
"We simply want to offer African-Americans quality black films, while at the same time create a safe haven for filmmakers of color to share their stories, their way." - Ava DuVernay discussing the AFFRM
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