Ava DuVernay on Her Latest Doc ’14th’: ‘We’re in the Midst of Something Very Sinister, Something Very Dangerous’

As the United States approaches a critical midterm election season, Ava DuVernay returns with a documentary that shifts focus from technology and cultural icons to the constitutional foundations of American democracy. Her latest film, "14th," delves into the history and contemporary challenges facing the 14th Amendment, a pivotal legal framework guaranteeing birthright citizenship, due process, and equal protection under the law.

Premiering as the closing feature of the New York Film Festival and slated for streaming on Netflix in December, "14th" arrives at a moment marked by intense debates about national identity and governance. Unlike the filmmaker’s prior work "13th," which scrutinized the racial injustices linked to the 13th Amendment and mass incarceration, this new documentary investigates how the principles enshrined in the 14th Amendment are currently under unprecedented strain.

DuVernay, alongside editor-producer Spencer Averick, traces the amendment’s roots in the aftermath of the Civil War, highlighting its role as a cornerstone in redefining citizenship and civil rights. The film contextualizes how post-war opposition, notably the cultural movement known as the “Lost Cause,” undermined Reconstruction efforts and seeded enduring resistance to the amendment’s ideals. This historical opposition echoes into the present, where DuVernay draws parallels with contemporary political factions that question the definition of American identity and citizenship.

The film features an array of voices from across the political and intellectual spectrum, including lawmakers like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Representative Anna Paulina Luna, legal experts such as Sherrilyn Ifill and Robert Chang, as well as commentators Stacey Abrams, Donald T. Critchlow, and Hasan Piker. This diverse panel lends insight into the amendment’s historical significance and its ongoing legal and cultural contestations.

A significant thematic undercurrent in "14th" is the direct challenge to birthright citizenship, a principle increasingly targeted by political figures, notably former President Donald Trump. The documentary documents how attacks on this constitutional protection have escalated over time, becoming a focal point in broader debates about immigration, voting rights, and democratic participation.

Despite extensive efforts, the filmmakers encountered resistance in securing participation from Republican officials. Out of over 300 outreach attempts to GOP senators, representatives, governors, and mayors, only Senator Jeff Flake and Congresswoman Luna agreed to contribute. This limited cooperation underscores the polarized climate surrounding the amendment and the political narratives it engenders.

The documentary also employs historical experts to weave a narrative that connects past and present struggles. Historians like David Blight provide context on the Civil War and Reconstruction, while specialists on the Lost Cause and recent racial violence offer nuanced perspectives on the amendment’s contested legacy.

In constructing the film’s narrative, DuVernay and Averick aimed to strike a balance between informative content and engaging storytelling, transforming dense constitutional discussion into a dynamic exploration of citizenship and democracy. Their editorial approach emphasizes the amendment’s ongoing relevance and the urgent need for public awareness and civic engagement.

Beyond recounting history, "14th" issues a call to action, urging viewers to actively participate in democratic processes beyond voting. The film highlights the importance of community involvement, vigilance over elected officials, and fostering informed dialogues across ideological divides as essential steps to uphold the amendment’s protective guarantees.

The project’s timing and content reflect a growing concern about threats to democratic institutions. By revisiting the origins and implications of the 14th Amendment, DuVernay’s documentary seeks to illuminate the foundational structures at risk and inspire a renewed commitment to safeguarding American democracy.