David Oyelowo fulfills new directing passion in 'Water Man'

David Oyelowo learned from of the industry's respected directors like Ava DuVernay and Will Gluck

LOS ANGELES -- While starring in films like “Selma” and “Lee Daniels' The Butler,” actor David Oyelowo discovered a new passion: directing. Oyelowo was inspired to step behind-the-camera after learning different nuances of the craft from respected directors like Ava DuVernay and Will Gluck. His desire to act and direct in the same movie grew even more after seeing successful efforts from his friends Nate Parker in “The Birth of a Nation” and Joel Edgerton in “The Gift,” as well as Mel Gibson, who won an Oscar for best director for “Braveheart.” For years, Oyelowo picked their brains to feel confident enough to make a leap of his own. The actor's directorial debut, “The Water Man,” arrives in theaters Friday. The film was produced by Harpo Films with Oprah Winfrey serving as executive producer. Oyelowo said he learned about having a grasp on the movie’s theme from DuVernay. He credits Gluck with teaching him the importance of a director capturing all of the elements in a film: wardrobe, photography, editing — as well as each actor’s performance.