Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing Partners With Mansa Streaming Service To Distribute Select Film And TV Titles

Valerie Complex
·2 min read
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EXCLUSIVE: Mansa, the ad-supported streaming platform highlighting Black content for a global audience, has partnered with Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY Releasing on a licensing agreement to distribute a curated selection of ARRAY’s independent feature films directly to audiences via the Mansa Streaming Service and on the Mansa Mix FAST channel.

The platform delivers a curated selection of films, TV shows, and FAST channels that showcase Black narratives from around the world. Since launching a year ago, Mansa has amassed a library of thousands of hours of content and is accessible on a growing list of distribution partners.

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“Ava DuVernay is one of my closest friends and collaborators so I can’t overstate how meaningful this partnership between ARRAY Releasing and Mansa is to me,” said David Oyelowo, award-winning filmmaker, actor, and co-founder of Mansa. “It’s not just about distributing films; it’s about amplifying the voices of those who have been marginalized for far too long. Our hope is to expand the reach of Ava’s vision, allowing her to continue championing diversity and inclusivity in filmmaking. Together, between ARRAY and Mansa, we aim to rewrite the narrative and ensure that the richness of our stories are celebrated worldwide.”

“ARRAY Releasing, the distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s art collective ARRAY, is honored to partner with Mansa and continue our dedication to amplifying Black independent storytellers globally,” said Tilane Jones, President of ARRAY. “Exhibiting these transformative stories on the Mansa streaming service will create a new audience of film lovers for our amazing family of directors.”

Initial slate of critically-acclaimed titles will be available on Mansa in the coming weeks and include: 

This is the Life – Directed by Ava DuVernay, the documentary chronicles “The Good Life” emcees, the alternative music movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the art form.

They’ve Gotta Have Us – Directed by Simon Fredericks, takes a timely look at the impact of art, activism, and race on Black Cinema over three generations, featuring in-depth interviews with some of Hollywood’s most iconic voices.

Jezebel – Directed by Numa Perrier, the film follows 19-year-old Tiffany (Tiffany Tenille) as she navigates her dying mother’s financial struggles. By working as an internet fetish cam girl in the 90s, the young woman uses her fantasy world as an escape from her real-life circumstances.

Residue – Directed by Merawi Gerima, follows aspiring filmmaker Jay (Obinna Nwachukwu) returning to his childhood in Washington, DC, a neighborhood that has been gentrified beyond recognition. 

Burning Cane – Directed by Phillip Youmans, is an intimate drama that captures the complexity and complacency of family life and religion in rural Louisiana.

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