Ava DuVernay hosts IG Live chat and screening of 'When They See Us'

It’s been a year since director Ava DuVernay’s four-part series When They See Us was released. But the timing of the dramatized real-life story of the Exonerated Five feels as relevant as ever given the movement happening right now in the wake of George Floyd’s death. So it’s no surprise that discussion of recent events were weaved into DuVernay’s live screening and discussion of the series on Instagram this past weekend.The Oscar-nominee joined fans on May 31 to watch the first episode and to host a frank discussion on race, systematic racism and the change that needs to happen. She also took the opportunity to announce the launch of Array 101, an “educational initiative aimed to bridge the gap between Hollywood and social justice by providing educational resources to help audiences explore the historical context of the story and work through the emotional questions it brings up,” according to Variety.

When They See Us came out a year ago today, and now it is just as relevant as ever. pic.twitter.com/UxZlXLIqGh

— Asante Blackk (@AsanteBlackk) May 31, 2020

“So many people came up to me and were like, ‘I cried’ and ‘I couldn’t finish it.’ I think what I failed to do and many people in Hollywood failed to do and other people failed to do was connect the dots between the thing you make and the people who are watching it, particularly young people,” DuVernay also told CBS This Morning in reference to When They See Us and the launch of her project. “What I found is, to have people sign this petition or everyone go to this protest, everyone may not be interested in taking action in that way. There’s a full array of options that we suggest and really invite people to go further.”[video_embed id='1968965']RELATED: Outrage reached historic levels after a full weekend of protests[/video_embed]When They See Us traced the stories of Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana Jr. and Korey Wise, aka the five black teens who, in 1989, were convicted of the rape of a woman in Central Park after being coerced by police into making damaging statements. DNA evidence exonerated the men more than 10 years later.

Thanks to all who watched and talked through WHEN THEY SEE US with me on IG tonight. Let’s keep our eyes on the ball. Hugs and hope, A. https://t.co/VMB8WesRQc

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) June 1, 2020

Viewers definitely responded to DuVernay’s take on the story and the spotlight it provided for challenging discussions surrounding trauma in art and social reform. The series was nominated for a whopping 16 Emmys when it was released and it took home the trophies for Outstanding Casting in a Limited Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for Jharrell Jerome, who played Korey Wise.“We have to look to history. We're not the first to be in this situation. ... And I think the idea that we are helpless is just an idea that I don't accept. I think we can continue to be learning how to combat these things,” DuVernay also told CBS This Morning. “In this social media age, we react to it. We're upset about it for a day. We tweet. We post. And then we kind of move on. And that organizing principle, that deeply ingrained mission to change, is what I hope we can get to.”[video_embed id='-1']RELATED:Ava DuVernay hopes to inspire black female directors[/video_embed]