Ava DuVernay Returns to Documentaries with Netflix's '14th'

The film marks the Oscar-nominated filmmaker's return to documentary work and her latest collaboration with Netflix.

What is the new documentary about?

The documentary explores the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, examining its 150-year history and its urgent relevance to contemporary debates. It aims to bring the ongoing fight over the amendment into the present day, asking fundamental questions about belonging and citizenship in America. DuVernay conducted interviews with over 50 scholars, politicians, and legal experts for the project.

What did Ava DuVernay say about the film?

The filmmaker provided a clear distinction between this project and her previous work. She described the film as an exploration of current freedoms, not a historical retrospective, stating, "This is not a film about the past tense of freedom. I’m not interested in asking you to look back."

Who is involved in the project?

DuVernay directed and produced "14th" through her ARRAY banner, with Spencer Averick, Tammy Garnes, and Paul Garnes also serving as producers. The documentary features conversations with a wide range of figures, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former Senator Jeff Flake, legal scholar Sherrilyn Ifill, and Pulitzer Prize winners Eric Foner and David Blight.

Netflix's Vice President of Documentary Film and Series, Adam Del Deo, praised DuVernay's ability to connect history with the present in a statement, calling her previous documentary "13th" a "cultural touchstone." He expressed pride in continuing their creative partnership to bring this new film to a global audience.