On my very first show, my partners in it, Oprah Winfrey and her network, and studio, Warner Horizon, who doesn't get enough credit, said, "Lady, we're going to let you call the shots the way you want to."

It was easy for me to show the films to the studio and the network and say, "This is who I'm hiring."

We're living based on laws and ideas that we, as a society, embraced back in the days of slavery.

Those [old] days are gone... accept the reality and do it.

My parents [are my hero]. They've helped me be who I am.

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.

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