Ep 2. Ava DuVernay

As an acclaimed filmmaker, Ava DuVernay has solidified herself as one of the most influential women in Hollywood. Famed for her direction in 13th and the award-winning miniseries When They See Us, DuVernay is recognized for breathing life into stories that expose the intricacies and issues of being black in America. In her interview with Reese Witherspoon on the second episode of Shine On With Reese, we discover that DuVernay's passion for film stems from her desire to tell stories that she never saw or heard as a young woman.

The episode goes deep into the life of DuVernay and her journey to becoming a celebrated filmmaker. From selling clothing in her early 20s to launching her own PR agency, the episode showcases her evolution as a creative, which led to the release of her award-winning tone poem I Will Follow. We also see how DuVernay's activism is reflected in her work, as her dedication to telling authentic stories of black life is apparent in her work in Selma and Queen Sugar.

Witherspoon's admiration and respect for DuVernay are palpable as the two women bond over shared experiences of working in the entertainment industry as women of color. The conversation touches upon the struggles they faced as minorities in show business, and the challenges of carving out a path in a mostly male-dominated industry.

The duo also discusses how the inclusion of people of color is changing the landscape of media and how the gatekeepers are recognizing the power of inclusive storytelling. DuVernay shares her optimism about the future, saying that she's excited about the diversity and range of stories being told and the people who are leading those conversations.

The hour-long episode features cameos from some of DuVernay's colleagues and friends, such as Oprah Winfrey and the cast of When They See Us. The guests' comments reflect the profound impact that DuVernay has had on their lives and the importance of her work in pushing boundaries and bringing critical stories to light.

Shine On With Reese's season one's second episode featuring Ava DuVernay is an inspiring conversation that showcases the influence of black people in media and the future of storytelling. The episode reminds us of the importance of representation in entertainment and the power of sharing narratives that had previously been ignored in mainstream circles. Together, Witherspoon and DuVernay's dialogue is a passionate and enlightening discussion on the state of the entertainment industry and where it's headed.