2010 – Ava DuVernay Launches AFFRM Film Collective

On May 28, 2010, filmmaker Ava DuVernay launched the African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM), a groundbreaking distribution collective for Black independent films. AFFRM, later rebranded as ARRAY, was designed to amplify voices traditionally shut out of Hollywood’s mainstream pipeline. DuVernay’s initiative offered theatrical releases, digital access, and visibility for films by people of color and women. This move radically shifted the conversation around Black storytelling and representation in cinema. By controlling the means of distribution, DuVernay created a blueprint for media sovereignty and community-led film ecosystems. May 28 commemorates the birth of a visionary platform that not only democratized access for filmmakers but also reshaped the business of Black cinema. AFFRM/ARRAY remains a beacon for equity in the entertainment industry, illustrating how strategic disruption can unlock cultural power and opportunity.