I’ve only experienced Ava DuVernay’s brilliance through her films, and her unique talent for narrating the stories of those who have been marginalized, ostracized, and even killed for their identities is truly remarkable. Through her work, she sheds light on oppression, prompts self-reflection, and presents the truth in ways that resonate with many. As a writer, producer, director, and independent film distributor, Ava DuVernay encourages us to confront the injustices within our communities through her artistic vision.
Next month, ARRAY Now, an independent film distribution company established by Ava DuVernay, will debut Funny Boy, a film adaptation by writer and director Deepa Mehta based on the novel of the same name by Canadian-Sri Lankan author, Shyam Selvadurai. This film offers a rare glimpse into a family and culture distinct from our own and is set to stream on Netflix on December 10th.
Selvadurai’s novel, released nearly 30 years ago, narrates the tale of a war-torn nation through the eyes of a young boy named Arjie, who grapples with his identity as a gay boy—referred to as a “funny boy”—growing up in Sri Lanka, a small island nation near India. The film is being entered into the international film category for Canada’s 2021 Oscars submission, serving as a beacon of hope for countless LGBTQ individuals around the globe.
This marks Ava DuVernay’s first LGBTQ film, providing a platform for the gay community at a crucial time when our rights in the United States are facing significant challenges. I can’t help but wonder how this narrative will empower many to embrace their true selves and foster understanding among others.
Reflecting on my own coming out experience, I felt a wave of fear, much like many other queer individuals. I am thankful to live in a society that offers some degree of acceptance, though I remain anxious about the potential erosion of rights for myself and my loved ones. Today, 72 nations still criminalize homosexuality, with 11 of them imposing the death penalty for private same-sex acts.
For me and many LGBTQ youths, films create a sense of community and belonging. Seeing authentic portrayals of our experiences and representations of gay and lesbian characters on screen instills a sense of hope. For instance, Fire, another film by Deepa Mehta released in 1996, played a significant role in my journey of understanding my sexuality, even though I didn’t watch it until I was in college. It equipped me with the language to articulate my feelings, particularly towards a female classmate. Fire is also famously recognized as the first Bollywood film to showcase a lesbian relationship.
Back in 1996, while I was exploring my own identity, accepting who I am has remained a continual journey. According to DoSomething.org, in 2013, 92% of LGBTQ adults felt that society had become more accepting over the past decade. However, there is still a long road ahead in achieving full acceptance. I believe that films like these, along with storytellers such as Ava and Deepa, are essential in advancing societal acceptance.
When films are crafted with care, they allow us to immerse ourselves in another person’s experience, even if just for a brief 92 minutes. The release of Funny Boy on December 10th offers us the chance to connect with a South Asian family in a way we haven’t before, as well as to witness an individual’s coming out journey, reminding us that everyone has a story worth sharing. As the credits roll, Ava encourages us to actively participate in creating a better world, advocating for the rights of all individuals, not just those who mirror our own experiences.
This article was originally published on November 6, 2020.