Ava DuVernay’s ‘Watch + Vote’ welcomed film lovers to ARRAY Campus for an afternoon of cinema and civic action
The event seamlessly integrated a space for attendees to cast their ballots in the upcoming election while viewing some of the director’s most iconic works.
LOS ANGELES – Oct. 26, 2024 – Acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay hosted a powerful Array Watch + Vote event at her vibrant Array Campus in Los Angeles—a creative hub dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in film and social justice. This exclusive gathering wasn’t just a celebration of DuVernay’s groundbreaking work; it was an electrifying fusion of storytelling and civic engagement.
The event featured screenings of three of DuVernay’s most impactful films—Selma, 13th, and Origin—each delving into urgent social issues, from the battle for civil rights to the enduring systems of oppression. Set against the dynamic backdrop of the Array Campus, attendees were immersed in compelling narratives that didn’t just inform but ignited conversations about history, activism, and systemic inequality.
A Cinematic Call to Action
Each film served as a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs that shape today’s fight for justice. Selma drew striking parallels between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1965 voting rights marches and contemporary battles for civil liberties, making the past feel urgent and alive.
13th, DuVernay’s searing documentary on mass incarceration and its deep racial underpinnings, laid bare the policies and systemic forces that continue to perpetuate injustice.
Origin, her latest work, expanded the conversation globally—exploring caste systems, historical oppression, and the deeply embedded structures of inequality that persist across cultures and eras.
From Reflection to Action
But this wasn’t just a night at the movies—it was a rallying cry for civic engagement. The Array Watch + Vote event seamlessly integrated a space for attendees to cast their ballots in the upcoming election, transforming a film screening into a direct, actionable step toward change.
By weaving together activism and artistry, DuVernay underscored a vital message: awareness alone isn’t enough—action is required. Selma reminded viewers of the blood, sweat, and sacrifice that won voting rights, while 13th exposed the ongoing injustices baked into legislative systems. Origin challenged audiences to recognize how deeply inequality is embedded across societies. With a voter station on-site, these themes transcended the screen, urging attendees to turn reflection into real-world impact.
Storytelling as a Catalyst for Change
Array’s Watch + Vote event wasn’t just a showcase of films—it was a testament to DuVernay’s vision: film as activism, storytelling as fuel for progress. By merging art with civic duty, Array created an experience that didn’t just inspire—it mobilized.
Attendees walked away not only moved by the narratives but also empowered to make a difference. This event was a potent reminder that cinema isn’t just entertainment—it’s a force for transformation. And in the pursuit of justice, every voice, every story, and every vote matters.
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Clifford James
Clifford James is our creative and brilliant Reels and Threads manager. He hails from Jamaica and loves all things social media.
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