'Studios aren't lining up for black protagonists'

Ava DuVernay, director of the Martin Luther King Jr. biopic "Selma", has shared why it took so long for Hollywood to tell his story.

She delivered a passionate speech here about her journey of making the 2014 drama film.

"It was a room in Los Angeles. It's not anything but a big room with very nice people dressed up. It's very cool. But my work's worth is not about what happens in, around or for that room," DuVernay said on Saturday, reports variety.com.

Asked why it had taken so long for Hollywood to tell King's story, she said: "The studios aren't lining up to make films about black protagonists. Black people being autonomous and independent."

DuVernay later stressed that it was important for diverse filmmakers to find ways to get their stories told.

"I've had the f***ing most awesome year. I can't even describe it," she said.

"Selma" was nominated for two Oscars this year, including Best Picture.