Ava DuVernay Tackles Birthright Citizenship on Netflix: New Documentary ’14th’ Amid Trump’s Challenge

Ava DuVernay’s Cinematic Journey Continues with “14th” on Netflix

In an era where constitutional debates are more heated than ever, Ava DuVernay’s latest documentary, “14th,” debuts on Netflix, diving deep into the complexities of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This release comes at a critical time, following a recent Supreme Court decision that overturned a Trump administration executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents.

Building on her previous work with the critically acclaimed “13th,” which explored the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in America, DuVernay now shifts her focus to the question of citizenship and equal protection under the law. “14th” brings forward a discourse on who is considered an American and on what grounds, engaging scholars, politicians, and legal experts in a robust discussion that challenges the viewer’s understanding of American identity and belonging.

Inside “14th”: A Meld of Past and Present

The documentary promises to be a contemporary exploration of a battle over rights that has been waged for over a century and a half. In “14th,” DuVernay does not merely recount historical events but connects them directly to today’s political and social environment, making it clear that the implications of this amendment are as relevant now as they were when first ratified. The film, produced under DuVernay’s ARRAY banner along with collaborators Spencer Averick, Tammy Garnes, and Paul Garnes, is a testament to her deepening relationship with Netflix, where she has previously enjoyed success with titles such as “When They See Us.”

Speaking on the film, DuVernay reveals, “If ’13th’ asked who gets caged, then ’14th’ asks who gets counted.” This shift from examining the past abuses to spotlighting current injustices underscores DuVernay’s commitment to not only narrating history but actively participating in the conversations that could shape its course.

The documentary features a diverse array of voices, from political figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jeff Flake to legal scholars such as Sherrilyn Ifill and cultural commentators like Hasan Piker. This broad spectrum of interviews is designed to offer a comprehensive view of the ongoing debates surrounding citizenship and rights in America.

A Continuation of a Creative Alliance

Adam Del Deo, Vice President of Documentary Film and Series at Netflix, expressed his enthusiasm for continuing the platform’s collaboration with DuVernay. He praised her unique ability to bridge historical context with pressing contemporary issues, a skill that made “13th” a pivotal work in the documentary genre. Del Deo is confident that “14th” will further solidify DuVernay’s position as a pivotal voice in American cinema and documentary filmmaking.

Since her breakout with the historical drama “Selma” in 2014, followed by “13th” in 2016, DuVernay has adeptly moved between feature filmmaking and series production, tackling various genres and stories, from fantasy in “A Wrinkle in Time” to her recent project “Origin” in 2023. Her return to documentaries with “14th” not only marks a homecoming to a form where she has excelled but also a reiteration of her commitment to probing American social issues through a cinematic lens.

With “14th,” Ava DuVernay continues to challenge audiences to reconsider the narratives they’ve been told about freedom and inclusion within the American context, making it clear that history is not just something to be studied but something continuously unfolding and being written. As the film prepares to reach global audiences later this year on Netflix, it stands as a crucial piece of cultural commentary in a time of significant national reflection and debate.

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Claude Merritt

Claude Merritt explores the world of entertainment with a keen eye. From music to film, TV series, and popular culture, he covers celebrity news and American cultural trends with a lively and critical approach.