An imperative work of both history and cinema directed by Ava DuVernay, SELMA (2014) was recognized in the year of its release with an AFI AWARD, naming it among the most outstanding motion pictures of year. According to the official rationale, “SELMA dreams of a day when America lives by the rule of its writings — that all men and women are created equal. Ava DuVernay leads this march into history with an inspired vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — whose spirit is embodied by David Oyelowo in a transcendent performance. This is a film that flies the flag high for American film, inviting audiences to rise above the breathless shame of our nation’s past and come together as one as we look to the future.” The film celebrated its world premiere at AFI FEST in 2014 – and its director, now an AFI Trustee and a powerhouse voice for good in American cinema, returns to help raise the curtain for this year’s festival as its Guest Artistic Director.
Visit the AFI Catalog to learn more about SELMA.
