Ava DuVernay’s Origin will make history as the first film by an African-American woman to play in competition at the Venice Film Festival – and that’s just the beginning! DuVernay will also be in attendance for the gala presentation of her next film at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.
Origin stars Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson. It’s been described as a deeply moving portrait of grief and healing, which sees Wilkerson investigate the genesis of injustice and uncover a hidden truth that affects us all.
In addition to Ellis-Taylor, Origin also stars Jon Bernthal, Niecy Nash-Betts, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Nick Offerman, Blair Underwood, and Connie Nielsen.
TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey announced that DuVernay’s new film will be a part of the festival’s lineup this year and said he can’t wait for Toronto audiences to feel its power.
“Ava DuVernay’s Origin is a brilliantly crafted showcase of her talent as a writer, producer, and director. This is audacious filmmaking on a grand, global scale. DuVernay deftly weaves Isabel Wilkerson’s big idea about how we live into a beautiful narrative of passion and discovery,” said Bailey in a statement.
Origin will have its world premiere in Venice on September 6, before heading to Toronto on September 11.
