Ava DuVernay makes history with Venice premiere of 'Origin'

The 80th Venice Film Festival - Photo call for the film "Origin" in competition - Venice, Italy, September 6, 2023 - Director Ava DuVernay attends. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

VENICE (Reuters) - Award-winning director Ava DuVernay on Wednesday became the first African American woman to present a movie in competition at the Venice Film Festival, overcoming sceptics who had tried to talk her out of applying.

"As Black film makers we are told people who love films in other parts of the world do not care about our stories," DuVernay told reporters ahead of the screening of her powerful, thought-provoking movie "Origin".