This week we get a fascinating new film Origin in wide release. Hailing from director Ava DuVernay, it’s based on a true story and got a limited release at the end of 2023 to qualify for the Academy Awards. In honor of its wide release, this week I’m looking at previous directing projects from DuVernay. The list appears in chronological order.

Selma (2014)
About: This feature film sort of put DuVernay on the map as a feature director. David Oyelowo gives a wonderful performance as Martin Luther King, Jr., and I remember how powerfully this film is put together. It tells this story in a vibrant way that draws your attention. It was one of my favorite films the year it was release.

13th (2016)
About: This documentary on Netflix was moving and powerful. It’s a look at the 13th Amendment, but really an in-depth look at the prison system. DuVernay delivers a compelling film that went a little under-the-radar the year it was released.

A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
About: DuVernay took the helm for this adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s famous book. This had a superb cast and there are some strong visual scenes, but overall, it doesn’t work as hoped. It doesn’t quite capture the magic of the book for me.

When They See Us (2019)
About: In addition to feature films, DuVernay has had a long career working in Television. Sometimes that’s been on regular series, and other times it’s been on limited series like this. Here, she directed all four episodes of this Netflix drama about five teens who were falsely accused of a brutal assault in Central Park. It was an emotional ride.

DMZ (2022)
About: Here, DuVernay directed the pilot for this limited series on Max. It was probably the sharpest of the episodes. The series is a futuristic one, set during a time of Civil War and featuring Rosario Dawson, among others. I enjoyed the series, and this pilot really set the tone.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.