Duvernay featured in CNN documentary

For the first time ever, an African-American woman is the winner of the coveted Director Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Ava Duvernay's film Middle of Nowhere is the story of a wife whose world is shattered when her husband is sent off to prison.

Duvernay is a former publicist who overcame fear and ridicule to become an acclaimed independent filmmaker.

On Starting Point, Soledad shared a portion of Duvernay's story, which will be featured in the CNN documentary "Who is Black in America." The special airs on December 9th at 8pmET.

See a video sneak peek