Ava DuVernay just accepted the PGA’s Visionary Award, and now she’s playing a role in a nationwide search to find the next visionary filmmaker. Timed to coincide with the release of DuVernay’s next film, “A Wrinkle in Time,” the contest is being supported by Disney and Nissan. The winner will receive $100,000 to make their own film, a trip to Hollywood for the world premiere of “A Wrinkle in Time,” a meeting with DuVernay, and a new car.
“I know the challenges of starting on your filmmaking path,” Duvernay says in a video announcing the contest. “It’s never easy. It’s rarely smooth. But with faith in the journey and fortitude of your own intention artists just like you have achieved their dreams.” The “13th” helmer made her first feature, “I Will Follow,” for $50,000.
According to a press release, the contest “seeks to inspire innovative directors — especially female filmmakers — to step up and share their voice.” Directors ages 18 and up “must submit a two-minute video showcasing their journey as a filmmaker. Submissions will be judged on their unique storytelling voice, their creativity and originality, and their depiction of one of the most powerful lines of dialogue in the film, ‘Be a Warrior.’”
Head over to the challenge’s site for official rules and more details. Applications are now open. The contest ends February 2.
Based on Madeleine L’Engle’s 1962 sci-fi novel, “A Wrinkle in Time” hits theaters March 9. Storm Reid stars as a girl who embarks on an adventure through time and space to find her father (Chris Pine), a missing scientist.
