Ava DuVernay Had An Emotional Reaction To Beyoncé's "Renaissance" Film After Realizing She Was Also Being "Gaslit" In The Industry

    "What a woman. What a director."

    Ava DuVernay is praising Beyoncé for her most recent directorial project, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.

    Ava DuVernay on the red carpet at the the film's premiere

    Last night, Beyoncé held the world premiere of her iconic world tour film at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, and baby, the stars came out in full force to support!

    Ava was one of the many celebrities in attendance, and she couldn't help but gush about the documentary after watching it. Earlier today, she took to Instagram to share the "emotional" experience.

    Close-up of Ava

    "The woman is a director in every sense of the word and beyond," Ava wrote. "Every decision that a director makes in the course of our work, she does brilliantly."

    Beyoncé performing onstage

    She continued, "But then, add the fact that she goes out and performs in front of hundreds of thousands of people at genius level? Now, you're talking about a phenom — no hyperbole."

    Beyoncé pointing as she speaks with her crew

    Not only did Beyoncé deliver on the performance aspect of the film, but Ava also complimented the artistic vision of the project — including costumes, editing, lighting design, and more.

    Beyoncé performing

    But there was one part of the film that really stood out to the Origin director, so much so that it made her emotional, as if Bey were speaking directly to her.

    Close-up of Ava at a media event

    "She talks candidly about having to fight to be heard as a Black woman leader working at a high level of difficulty. Having to endure being second guessed often and gaslit constantly," she said.

    Close-up of Ava at a media event

    "We actually see moments of this happening to her on camera. People directly doubting, shortchanging, gaslighting her. I haven't seen that described in a film before."

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    Ava added that it was something she's experienced far too often in her own career, literally playing out onscreen as evidence instead of her thinking it's all in her head.

    Close-up of Ava in an off-the-shoulder outfit

    "[E]ven though I have lots of practice with this kind of blatant disregard, it never gets easier to stomach. Never easier to watch someone diminish themselves by their downright disregard for you."

    Beyoncé sitting and talking with others

    Ava added, "But sometimes, knowing that someone else understands the feelings you're feeling, helps. In that way, this film helped me. I never expected to feel so seen in a concert film!"

    Close-up of Ava at a media event

    We all know when Beyoncé puts something out, whether it's a song, music video, movie, or clothing line, every single detail is intentional. So I can't wait to see the film!

    To learn more about Ava's response, check out her full Instagram story below. And be sure to get your tickets for Renaissancé: A Film by Beyoncé when it hits theaters Dec. 1.

    Screenshot of the statement