A lot of work was done with one of my best friends and editor, Spencer Averick, who's edited everything I've ever made from the very, very first documentaries; the very, very first films I made were docs, so we learned the form together.

I just remember not having access to films as a young person who loved films but living in Compton.

To pretend like Hollywood is anything other than that is disingenuous. #OscarsSoWhite is trendy, but for women filmmakers and filmmakers of color, it's not a trend. This is our reality, and it's important that we do something to change it.

Hollywood needs more women directors, and Mama Ava needs a carafe and a half of that sweet vino divino.

If you're doing something outside of dominant culture there's not an easy place for you. You will have to do it yourself.

I know that sounds a little bit corny, but I've found some solace in that. I hope art can continue to do that for people, I really do.

If you have the ability to do something, you should do it.