Words of Wisdom from Ava DuVernay

I just finished attending the Sundance Collab's Ava DuVernay in conversation with Justin Simien: Art as Activism webinar, and I picked up a couple of priceless jewels that Ava dropped, and I want to share.

1. I give my attention to my intention.
2. Practice your craft everyday.
3. Your goal is to make the work and put it out.
4. You have a name. Your mama gave you a name (about being well-known in the industry).
5. Know how much things cost (know your budget for your film).
6. Talk about things from a place of passion.
7. People want to know that you have it under control (when requesting funding).
8. Take off the desperation and put on your passion.
9. Get the draft done first, then go back and rewrite it (writing a screenplay advice).
10. Do your own thing.

As a filmmaker, I often feel like I need for everyone to know who I am in order to get recognition. I'm now learning that my work will speak for itself. As long as I create films that I am passionate about and that matter to me, the only validation I need is from me. Being true to who I am is more important than popularity.

Ava has always been an inspiration for me. She's my friend in my head. Her passion for telling compelling, thought provoking stories exudes through her work.

From this day forward, I will focus on creating content and telling stories that matter to me. If the world gets it, fine. If not, I get it and that's all that matters.