Ava Duvernay is praising Beyoncé’s directing chops in her “Renaissance” film and how she tackled how Black women are “gaslit” in the industry.
The stars came out for the premiere of Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé. Hosted at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Samuel Goldwyn Theater on Saturday, Nov. 25, attendees followed Beyoncé’s dress requirements for “cozy opulence,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The event also featured a Destiny’s Child reunion with Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and the group’s original members LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson.
Other A-listers who attended include Janelle Monáe, Issa Rae, Lizzo, and DuVernay. The Selma director shared an in-depth movie review praising Beyoncé’s “phenomenal” work as director.
“The woman is a director in every sense of the word and beyond,” Ava wrote in an Instagram post captured by BuzzFeed. “Every decision that a director makes in the course of our work, she does brilliantly.”
She continued, “But then, add the fact that she goes out and performs in front of hundreds of thousands of people at genius level? Now, you’re talking about a phenom — no hyperbole.”
DuVernay praise the performance element showcased throughout the film which serves as a “gorgeous spectacle of craft.” She also noted how “stunning” the costumes, editing, and lighting design are.
But her “favorite part” actually made Duvernay “emotional” as it resonated with her on a personal level as a Black filmmaker.
“She talks candidly about having to fight to be heard as a Black woman leader working at a high level of difficulty. Having to endure being second-guessed often and gaslit constantly,” Duvernary wrote.
“We actually see moments of this happening to her on camera. People directly doubting, shortchanging, gaslighting her. I haven’t seen that described in a film before. Something that I’ve experienced far too often, unfolding on the big screen, in detail, as proof, as evidence that this is real and not in our heads.
“[E]ven though I have lots of practice with this kind of blatant disregard, it never gets easier to stomach,” she shared. “Never easier to watch someone diminish themselves by their downright disregard for you.”
Duvernary concluded by praising Beyoncé for making her “feel seen” through her film.
On Sunday, Beyoncé’s longtime publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, shared photos of the singer from the premiere along with Duvernay’s beautiful review.
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé follows her highest-grossing tour to date, the Renaissance World Tour, and its promotion of the Renaissance album that made her the most decorated artist in Grammy Awards history.
The film features behind-the-scenes footage as well as clips from Beyoncé’s onstage performances throughout Europe and the United States.
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