In a groundbreaking moment for representation, Ava DuVernay made history on September 6 by becoming the first African-American woman to present her film, “Origin,” at the Venice Film Festival. Adding to the significance, this Hollywood production marked the first-ever feature film appearance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, one of India’s founding fathers.
The ensemble cast of “Origin” includes Connie Nielsen, Jon Bernthal, Vera Farmiga, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Victoria Pedretti, delivering a poignant narrative that traverses global inequalities. The film’s impact continued at the Toronto Film Festival on September 14, where it received a standing ovation.
For those unfamiliar with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he chaired the committee responsible for drafting India’s constitution and served as India’s first Law and Justice Minister. In “Origin,” his character is portrayed by Gaurav J. Pathania, a professor based in the United States.
Ava DuVernay’s “Origin” gets a standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival 👏 #TIFF23 pic.twitter.com/i0sb0Uvrqk
— Screen Off Script (@ScreenOffScript) September 13, 2023
This American biographical drama draws inspiration from Isabel Wilkerson’s book, “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.” It explores discrimination through the lens of India’s caste system, American racism, and the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany.
How B.R. Ambedkar is depicted in “Origin”:
Prior to the film’s release and during the casting process, the call for actors included an encouraging note for “actors from the Ambedkar community,” as reported by The Quint. This reference likely pertains to Dr. Ambedkar’s caste, commonly associated with Dalits, a group referred to as Scheduled Castes in India.
Dr. Ambedkar, a Dalit scholar who rose from poverty, is renowned for his instrumental role in crafting India’s constitution. “Origin” not only showcases his achievements but also delves into his challenging childhood, marked by the indignity of being forced to sit on the classroom floor.
Ava DuVernay draws a poignant parallel between Ambedkar’s experiences and those of Al Bright, an 11-year-old Black boy in 1951 who was denied the opportunity to celebrate a Little League championship with his friends in the same pool, prohibited from entering the water. In many parts of the United States, African-Americans faced similar discrimination, being barred from using public swimming pools.
Ava’s film has earned a spot on the shortlist for the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival. Reflecting on this achievement, she expressed her hope that this milestone marks an enduring shift in the industry, stating, “That’s a door open that I trust the festival will keep open.”
What is “Origin” about?
According to IMDb, “Origin” delves into the “unspoken system that has shaped America” and explores how contemporary lives are influenced by a hierarchy of human divisions. Aunjanue Ellis portrays Isabel, the central character, supported by a stellar cast including Jon Bernthal, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Niecy Nash-Betts, Nick Offerman, and Blair Underwood.
The film delves into the personal tragedies in Isabel’s life, including the loss of her white husband and her mother. These tragedies propel her on a journey where she confronts and investigates various forms of discrimination worldwide. Isabel’s character encapsulates Ava’s own journey, which revolves around these critical social issues.
In the film, audiences gain insight into the personal struggles faced by Black women. Isabel encounters resistance to her viewpoints but chooses to internalize it rather than respond aggressively.
A Global Perspective on Justice:
Ava DuVernay’s work often centers on themes of justice and morality. She remarked in a previous interview with Deadline, “Justice, and what’s right or wrong, is a global idea.” She emphasized that profound and emotionally resonant stories about justice have universal appeal, transcending national boundaries. She cited the success of “When They See Us” on Netflix, which resonated with audiences worldwide despite its specific focus on the experiences of a group of young boys in the United States.
In essence, “Origin” continues Ava DuVernay’s commitment to using film as a medium to explore and promote global ideas of justice and equity, reinforcing the notion that these issues are of universal concern.