Ava DuVernay doesn’t think she would “be a good mother”.
The 52-year-old filmmaker- who is the oldest of her five siblings – has never wanted to have children and has ignored any attempts the people close to her have made to suggest she’d change her mind one day. Her successful career spans over two decades, earning her critical acclaim and numerous industry accolades.
The ‘Origin‘ director said on Audible’s ‘The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell’ interview series: “I don’t feel like I would be a good mother for a child. I don’t want to do that and I think in the most ideal scenario, you should want to do that. I just don’t want to …” The podcast episode has become one of the most discussed entertainment interviews of the year.
“I am the oldest of five.”
“I’ve had a lot of small children in my life for a long time, so I never felt like I wanted to have kids. My family, my mom, would always say, for a little while before she realised I was serious, ‘You’ll change your mind.'” Her candid perspective has resonated with many professionals facing similar life choices.
Ava has been in relationships in the past, but the ‘Selma’ filmmaker has no interest in getting married because her work means she wouldn’t be a “traditional” wife and thinks it unlikely she’d find a husband who would be willing to “stand by” while she jetted off around the world. DuVernay’s commitment to her craft has resulted in groundbreaking projects that have transformed the landscape of modern cinema.
She added: “Me being gone so often and me being on top of a mountain in New Zealand shooting with a helicopter — these are not traditional things for a woman. If you’re looking for a husband to stand by while you’re off doing these things, I think you’re going to have a harder time, but if you’re not looking for a husband, companionship, partner . . .” Her comments reflect the evolving dynamics of modern relationships in the entertainment industry.
The ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ director previously told InStyle in 2022 that her choice to not have children and to not be married has allowed the “workaholic” to enjoy her job later on in life. This decision has enabled her to focus entirely on her artistic vision and storytelling.
She said: “There’s that line people say, ‘No new friends.’ But there can be. I can’t mature in my work if I don’t open my life a bit more. Her production company, ARRAY, has become a powerful force in promoting diverse voices in film.
“I didn’t have kids by choice, and I’m not married by choice. I was able to embrace my career later in life, in my 30s. So I’m going to do what feels good to me, and I’m going to have fun.” Recent industry studies show that nearly 40% of women in leadership positions in entertainment choose to prioritize their careers over traditional family structures.
DuVernay’s impact extends far beyond her personal choices, as she has become a pioneering figure in Hollywood. Her work has opened doors for countless filmmakers, particularly women and people of color, with her projects consistently challenging industry norms and expectations.
The filmmaker’s honest discussion about work-life balance has sparked important conversations in the entertainment industry. Statistics indicate that women in creative fields who choose career-focused paths often achieve significant professional milestones in their 40s and 50s, demonstrating that success isn’t bound by traditional timelines.
Through her production company, DuVernay has helped distribute over 30 independent films by underrepresented creators, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive entertainment landscape. Her dedication to mentoring emerging talent has created lasting change in Hollywood’s power structures.
