BURLINGTON, VT. – Acclaimed filmmaker and TV producer Ava DuVernay’s latest project linked her with premium ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's.

DuVernay directed the flavor profile for the upcoming Lights! Caramel! Action! dessert, working with Ben & Jerry’s flavor gurus to develop a vanilla ice cream that features salted caramel and graham cracker swirls, as well as chocolate chip cookie dough.

The new flavor, launching in January 2023, will be available not only in an ice cream format, but also as an almond milk dairy alternative frozen dessert.

Per Ben & Jerry’s, DuVernay’s proceeds from the flavor will benefit her nonprofit, ARRAY Alliance, which works to advance social justice through art, and amplifies and elevates the work of artists of color and women directors. The organization also creates inclusive film sets and provides grants, mentorship and education for people form underrepresented communities who want to work in the film industry.

"Partnering with Ben & Jerry's, a company that I've long admired for their commitment to social justice, has been a thrill ride,” DuVernay said. “I had the opportunity to work with food scientists to create a flavor with all the ingredients that I personally love for a cause close to my heart. Beyond being downright delicious, proceeds from Lights! Caramel! Action! will help ARRAY Alliance further its non-profit mission of inclusion and belonging in the film and TV industries. A worthy and delicious endeavor."

The new flavor from DuVernay, who becomes the first Black woman to be a featured partner on Ben & Jerry’s pints, is a full-time addition to the company’s portfolio. It will be available both in grocery store freezers and at franchised scoop shops throughout the US.

"We are humbled by this partnership, impressed by her work sharing not only the struggle but the joy in the justice, and we are inspired by her commitment and vision,” said Matthew McCarthy, chief executive officer at Ben & Jerry's.