Ava DuVernay's 'Origin' Takes Center Stage at TIFF and Venice Film Festival

Ava DuVernay's film "Origin," the first by an African American woman to compete at the Venice Film Festival, will have a Gala screening at TIFF on September 11. The film, which DuVernay wrote, produced, and directed, explores the life and work of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson. "Origin" combines Wilkerson's non-fiction work "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" with her personal experiences, resulting in a powerful portrayal of grief and healing. The film stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, Niecy Nash-Betts, Vera Farmiga, and more.