Ava DuVernay's 'Origin' Shines Light on Systemic Racism and Caste

The film, based on Isabel Wilkerson’s book 'Caste: The Origins of our Discontents', explores the devastating impact of caste on marginalized communities.

Director Ava DuVernay's latest film, 'Origin', is a cinematic adaptation of Isabel Wilkerson’s bestselling book 'Caste: The Origins of our Discontents'.
The movie, which opened in wide release on Friday, unflinchingly demonstrates that the US is a racist country, and has been since its inception.
DuVernay focuses on the writer’s journey, exploring the devastating impact of caste on those it places at the bottom of the social hierarchy: Dalits in India, Jews in Nazi Germany and Black people in the US.
The film has been praised for its bold storytelling and the performance of Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who portrays Isabel Wilkerson.
DuVernay hopes the film will inspire viewers to challenge racism and work towards dismantling systemic inequality.