A.V. Rockwell Wins Gotham Award for A Thousand and One
A Thousand and One has secured a significant triumph as A.V. Rockwell emerges victorious in the category of Breakthrough Director at the 33 Gotham Awards.
A Thousand and One transcends being a mere narrative of a mother and son overcoming adversity; it becomes even more heartbreaking under the skillful direction of A.V. Rockwell, who makes a compelling feature debut following years of directing shorts and music videos. Rockwell infuses this intimate drama with a keen socio-political context.
Congratulations to A.V. Rockwell for winning Breakthrough Director at tonight’s Gotham Awards in New York City for her film ‘A Thousand and One’. pic.twitter.com/knvs9brxbw
— Black Girl Nerds (@BlackGirlNerds) November 28, 2023
In a daring move, Inez del la Paz (Teyana Taylor) kidnaps her six-year-old son, Terry (Aaron Kingsley Adetola), leading her to navigate a perilous game with school and government authorities to ensure his safety and prevent further separation. As a result, she abandons her beloved profession of community-based hairstyling and is driven to take on a 9-to-5 cleaning job that requires a lengthy train commute. This sacrifice becomes her sole means of securing shelter for herself and her son.
Rockwell skillfully integrates de la Paz’s commentary into a narrative that proves to be less conventional and more unpredictable than initially perceived. Additionally, she prompts us to recognize that de la Paz and Terry possess dimensions beyond their challenging circumstances. Through her exceptional screenwriting and film direction, Rockwell crafts a touching narrative that captures a family’s unwavering determination and capacity for selfless giving.
BGFS News: Congratulations! A.V. Rockwell, director of "A Thousand and One," takes home the Breakthrough Director award at the Gotham Awards.#blackgirlfilmschool #bgfs #bgfsnews #avrockwell #blackwomendirectors #athousandandone pic.twitter.com/qWQRyqnlWf
— Black Girl Film School (@BLACKGIRLFILMS1) November 29, 2023
Recognized for its genuine and intricate depiction of Black perspectives, A Thousand and One stands alongside other acclaimed Sundance winners, such as Nanny (2022), Fruitvale Station (2013), and Middle of Nowhere (2012).
When undertaking this project, Rockwell, a native of New York City, pondered questions like, “How do I navigate my feelings about a city that doesn’t seem to embrace me?” and “What narrative do I, as a storyteller, want to witness?” She created a script that elevated the voices of people of color. Instead of succumbing to clichéd Black character stereotypes, where positive resolutions often hinge on the paths of white protagonists, the film’s characters are presented in a three-dimensional manner, not merely as tools to bolster someone else’s storyline.
Congratulations to A.V. Rockwell. A Thousand and One can be streamed on Prime Video.
