Ava DuVernay is weeks away from debuting her first blockbuster, but the “Wrinkle in Time” helmer hasn’t left her independent roots behind. In 2010 the “13th” director founded AFFRM, which later became ARRAY, an indie film distribution and resource collective that’s released titles including DuVernay’s own “I Will Follow” and “Middle of Nowhere.” Now, just weeks before “A Wrinkle in Time” hits theaters, word comes that the company is shaking up its executive team. Deadline broke the news.
Maori Holmes is the new Executive Director of non-profit Array Alliance. She formerly served as Producing Artistic Director of the BlackStar Film Festival and Director of Public Engagement at Philadelphia’s Institute of Contemporary Art. ARRAY’s Executive Director, Tilane Jones, has been promoted to Vice-President of ARRAY Releasing, the film distribution unit of the collective.
“It is a gift to have Maori Holmes join our tribe as we enter a new era of public programming and educational work at ARRAY,” DuVernay commented. “Maori brings a deep well of knowledge around artist-centered organizations and a stellar reputation in the world of artists and curators of color.” She continued, “She joins a passionate team here headed by Tilane Jones, who just celebrated 10 years of work with ARRAY amplifying films by women and people of color.”
ARRAY’s films include Amanda Marsalis’ “Echo Park,” Tina Mabry’s “Mississippi Damned,” and Sonia Lowman’s “Teach Us All.”
DuVernay recently launched the Evolve Entertainment FUND alongside Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and “The Lego Movie” producer Dan Lin. A collaboration between the City of Los Angeles, industry leaders in the media, non-profit orgs, and educational institutions, EEF is intended to promote inclusion and give individuals in underserved communities opportunities to pursue their Hollywood dreams.
An adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved fantasy novel, “A Wrinkle in Time” bows March 9. Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Storm Reid, and Chris Pine star in the pic about a girl who travels through time and space in search of her missing father.
