I tell the stories that are of interest to me.

All the traditional models for doing things are collapsing; from music to publishing to film, and it's a wide open door for people who are creative to do what they need to do without having institutions block their art.

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

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.

Filmmakers need to realize that their job isn't done when they lock picture. We must see our films through. Studios no longer do this for a large percentage of films. The odds that your film will get a major campaign are dim these days. So you must find and nurture your own audience and make sure your film has a life.

All the films I do, I write the scripts, I direct.