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Origin, a Film by Ava DuVernay About Isabel Wilkerson

I had forgotten that Ava DuVernay was working on an adaptation of Isabel Wilkerson’s excellent Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. I think the assumption was that DuVernay was going to make a documentary, but interestingly, she’s adapted it into a biographical drama called Origin instead (trailer above).

Origin chronicles the tragedy and triumph of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson as she investigates a global phenomenon of epic proportions. Portrayed by Academy Award nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”), Isabel experiences unfathomable personal loss and love as she crosses continents and cultures to craft one of the defining American books of our time. Inspired by the New York Times best-seller “Caste,” ORIGIN explores the mystery of history, the wonders of romance and a fight for the future of us all.

I’m intrigued! Origin is set for a wide release in theaters on Jan 19th.

Discussion  3 comments

Mark Olson

I'm very excited for this movie for two reasons. (1) It looks great and (2) I was in a few scenes and I'm very curious if I made the cut because it's my first time being an extra in anything

Ellen

What an amazing way to adapt a non-fiction book! I found Caste stunning and wanted to talk to everyone about it but it’s hard to just bring up cold in conversation. I hope the format, the romance and even the name change will allow this one to reach wide and bubble up those conversations. Thanks for sharing, Jason.

Colter Mccorkindale

This looks "Cloud Atlas" epic. I hope it sells more tickets.

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