Origin London Gala Screening
UK’s movers and shapers ascended on the Charlotte Street Hotel in London. for Ava DuVernay’s ORIGIN, Gala screening on March 6.
Starting with a drinks reception, the film, was followed by a raw and candid Q&A with Ava DuVernay who was only in London for roughly 12 hours. Guests included Yomi Sode, Leee John, Dawn Butler MP, Aniefiok Ekpoudom, Nova Reid, Scarlette Douglas, Judi Love, Bernadine Evaristo, Simon Frederick and more…
The film is written, produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay (Selma, 13th, Middle of Nowhere) and chronicles the tragedy and triumphs of Pulitzer prize winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson. A global epic cinematic journey connecting the slavery of Black people in the US, the genocide of Jews during Nazi Germany, and the plights of the Dalit people in India.
Origin is another film that sees Ava unafraid to discuss hard-hitting subjects, a film which she says “it is rare to see a black woman, black women, thinking on screen”. She also comments that the lead Aunjanue Ellis is “51 years old and this is her first leading role. (Which is a surprise but then no surprise, it the same for Jeffrey Wright who stars in American Fiction). Ellis’s faultless acting moves the narrative, and Ava’s direction brings the book alive giving it layers and emotion. (Read our full review soon) Definitely a film worth seeing. In UK cinemas 8th of March.
Isabel is portrayed by Aunjanue Ellis, who was nominated for an Academy Award following her role in King Richard. Wilkerson’s New York bestseller book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, investigates the global phenomenon of the unspoken caste system, crossing continents and cultures to fashion itself as one of the defining books of our time.
Ava Marie DuVernay is an American filmmaker, screenwriter, film and television producer. She is a recipient of a Primetime Emmy Award, two NAACP Image Award, a BAFTA Film Award and a BAFTA TV Award, as well as a nominee of an Academy Award and Golden Globe. Origin premiered in competition at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 6, 2023, and began a limited theatrical release on January 19, 2024, by Neon.
Cast includes
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Isabel Wilkerson
Jon Bernthal as Brett Hamilton, Isabel’s husband
Niecy Nash as Marion Wilkerson, Isabel’s cousin
Emily Yancy as Ruby Wilkerson, Isabel’s mother
Finn Wittrock as August Landmesser
Victoria Pedretti as Irma Eckler
Jasmine Cephas Jones as Elizabeth Davis[
Check out London screenings at Picturehouse cinema’s here
You might also like: In Conversation with Ekow Eshun: On Creative Journey and current Exhibition at National Portrait Gallery: “The Time is Always Now”
