Ava DuVernay’s highly anticipated film, “Origin,” is set to have special Christmas Day screenings for guild members. The screenings will take place on the West Coast in Beverly Hills and on the East Coast in Tribeca. Invitations have been sent out to members of various guilds, including the WGA, PGA, DGA, and more.
“Origin” is a film that delves into the stratification of discrimination and explores the connecting global and cultural roots of slavery, segregation, and violence. Based on Isabel Wilkerson’s best-selling book, “Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents,” the film examines the historical injustices of Jim Crow laws, the Holocaust, and other forms of persecution.
Director Ava DuVernay chose to release the film on Christmas Day, a day when people gather with family and friends to celebrate togetherness. DuVernay recalls the impact of her previous film, “Selma,” which opened on Christmas Day and brought together people from different backgrounds. She wanted to create a similar experience for industry professionals in her hometown, providing them with an opportunity to bring their guests and reflect on the themes of human dignity portrayed in “Origin.”

Neon acquired worldwide rights for the film, and it has already garnered significant attention and praise following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The film has since been screened at other festivals and received positive feedback from audiences worldwide.
One notable screening took place at LA’s Ross House, where Oscar winner Ben Affleck moderated a discussion with Ava DuVernay. The event was attended by acclaimed actors such as Sean Penn and Frances Fisher, further adding to the anticipation surrounding the film.
“Origin” is a thought-provoking and powerful exploration of historical injustices and their impact on our present-day political realities. With an impressive cast and a compelling narrative, the film promises to captivate audiences and spark important conversations.

PHOTO BY ATSUSHI NISHIJIMA.
As we eagerly await the full-scale debut of “Origin” next month, the special Christmas Day screenings offer a sneak peek into the film’s profound storytelling and its ability to shed light on the complexities of our shared history.

PHOTO BY ATSUSHI NISHIJIMA.