The first Black woman to direct a $100 million-grossing film is shunning the studios and their rules — and turning to philanthropists like Melinda French Gates.br br The Hollywood filmmaker is breaking the norm in securing independent financing for her projects. She sat down with ForbesWomen editor Maggie McGrath to talk about how she's finding freedom to make the stories she feels she "needs" to tell.br br Read the full story on Forbes: br Subscribe to FORBES: br 0:00 Introductionbr 1:19 Ava DuVernay On Her Film 'Origin' And Its Impact Politicallybr 6:51 Ava DuVernay On Access To Movie TheatersCinemabr 11:31 Why Ava Picked Up A Camera At 32 And Made A Pivotbr 15:26 Life Over 50: How Ava DuVernay's Life Has Changed br 18:35 Having A Space To Create: Ava Talks Ownershipbr 20:10 Ava DuVernay Gives Advice br br Fuel your success with Forbes. Gain unlimited access to premium journalism, including breaking news, groundbreaking in-depth reported stories, daily digests and more. Plus, members get a front-row seat at members-only events with leading thinkers and doers, access to premium video that can help you get ahead, an ad-light experience, early access to select products including NFT drops and more:br br br Stay Connectedbr Forbes newsletters: Forbes on Facebook: Forbes Video on Twitter: Forbes Video on Instagram: More From Forbes: br Forbes covers the intersection of entrepreneurship, wealth, technology, business and lifestyle with a focus on people and success.