Ava DuVernay Criticizes NEON’s Handling of ‘Origin,’ Describing it as having “Lackluster Distribution”

Ava DuVernay Reflects on Lessons Learned From Film “Origin” and Challenges of Distribution

At the Marrakech International Film Festival, Ava DuVernay shared her insights from her 2023 film “Origin” and the challenges she faced with distribution. The filmmaker emphasized the importance of having distribution that is better suited to help her films find audiences. DuVernay expressed that “Origin” was a “complicated” film for her, representing a big challenge and a significant lesson in her career as a filmmaker.

She highlighted the difficulties in finding an audience for the film due to lackluster distribution by NEON and the challenging market conditions surrounding the subject matter. DuVernay mentioned the uncomfortable topics explored in the film, such as genocide, racism, and Islamophobia, which made it hard for the film to reach a wider audience.

Despite the underseen nature of the film, with limited domestic distribution in the US, DuVernay remains hopeful that time will be kind to “Origin” and that it will eventually find its audience. Reflecting on her experience, she acknowledged the need to make better choices in distribution for future projects.

DuVernay also discussed the challenges she has faced as a Black female filmmaker in the US, highlighting the disparities in opportunities compared to her white male counterparts. She emphasized the importance of creating space for marginalized voices in the industry and shared her commitment to community engagement through her Array headquarters in Los Angeles.

In addition to her work in filmmaking, DuVernay addressed the political landscape in the US and expressed concern over the lack of government support for artists and filmmakers. She criticized the criminality in politics and the inequalities in the justice system, as portrayed in her documentary “13th”.

When asked about progress for female and Black filmmakers in the industry, DuVernay remained sceptical, noting that while there has been some progress, it is not comprehensive or inclusive. Despite becoming the first Black female American filmmaker to receive a $100 million budget for “A Wrinkle in Time,” DuVernay stressed the need for broader change and inclusivity in the industry.

Overall, DuVernay’s reflections on “Origin” and her experiences in the film industry highlight the ongoing challenges faced by filmmakers from marginalized communities and the importance of equitable distribution and support for diverse voices in cinema.



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