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

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

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

I'm not the most athletic gal, but because making a movie is very physical, I slow down on the Krispy Kreme and Ice Blendeds. I start to get leaner and more focused - like I'm going into a boxing match - because I'm about to really try to put this idea on its feet.

More people have seen 13th on Netflix than have seen all my films put together between the Sundance winners and Selma, and the whole international distribution of film.

I'm a prison abolitionist because the prison system as it is set up is just not working. It's horrible.

I love making films. I'm happiest when I'm doing it. For me, the fear is not being able to make the next thing and not being able, as a woman filmmaker and as a filmmaker of color, to put together the resources to make another thing.