Tavis Smiley Season 7 Episode 619 Ava DuVernay

Tavis Smiley season 7 episode 619 features a conversation with director and filmmaker Ava DuVernay. DuVernay has made a name for herself in Hollywood as a powerful voice for diversity and representation in film. In this episode, she speaks with Tavis Smiley about her work on the Academy Award-nominated film "Selma," her involvement in the creation of the hit television series "Queen Sugar," and her upcoming projects.

One of the main topics of conversation in this episode is DuVernay's journey to becoming a director. DuVernay started her career as a publicist, but always had a passion for filmmaking. She talks about the moment she decided to take the leap and pursue directing as a full-time career, and the challenges she faced along the way.

DuVernay also talks about the importance of representation in film. She notes that when she started making films, there were very few black women in Hollywood who were directing. She talks about how she has worked to create opportunities for other filmmakers of color through her production company, Array.

Another topic of conversation in this episode is DuVernay's work on "Selma." This film tells the story of the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965, which was a key moment in the civil rights movement. DuVernay talks about the research she did for the film, and how she worked to accurately capture the events depicted on screen. She also discusses the controversy surrounding the film's portrayal of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

In addition to her work on "Selma," DuVernay has also made a name for herself in television. She talks to Tavis about her involvement in creating the hit series "Queen Sugar," which is an adaptation of a novel by Natalie Baszile. DuVernay talks about the challenges she faced in adapting the book for television, and how she worked to create a show that accurately reflected the experiences of black people in America.

Finally, DuVernay discusses her upcoming projects. She talks about her involvement in the production of the upcoming Netflix series "Central Park Five," which is based on the true story of five black and Latino teenagers who were falsely accused of rape in New York City in 1989. She also discusses her upcoming film "A Wrinkle in Time," which is an adaptation of the classic children's book.

Throughout the episode, DuVernay offers insights into the creative process of filmmaking, as well as the importance of using art to create social change. She talks about the impact that films and television shows can have in shaping public opinion, and the responsibility that filmmakers have to use their platforms to promote positive change. Overall, Tavis Smiley season 7 episode 619 is a fascinating conversation with one of the most influential voices in Hollywood today.