I didn't go to film school. I got my education on the set as a niche publicist in the film industry.

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.

I thing for female filmmakers a big issue is making their second and third films. You see the statistics, and the dropoff on the second and third [films] , are dire.

Usually, you have two people in a scene, and in the history of cinema the hero is most likely going to be the white guy. And the other guy is his friend who is carrying the bag or whatever, and you're not going to light for that guy.

I wish I could be the black woman Soderbergh, and put the camera on my shoulder and shoot beautifully while I directed.

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

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