Ava DuVernay Makes Netflix Documentary on 14th Amendment

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay announced on Thursday that she has produced a new documentary for Netflix titled "14th," which will focus on the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The documentary is slated for release later this year. This film marks DuVernay's return to nonfiction filmmaking, following her critically acclaimed 2016 documentary "13th," which examined the legacy of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery.

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including formerly enslaved people. The announcement comes at a time when the interpretation and application of the 14th Amendment, particularly regarding birthright citizenship, have become a subject of political debate and legal challenges, notably from former President Donald Trump.

Netflix confirmed the release of "14th" later in 2024. The documentary will explore the historical significance and contemporary relevance of the 14th Amendment, a foundational element of civil rights in the United States. DuVernay, known for her work on "Selma" and "Origin," will bring her directorial expertise to this examination of a crucial constitutional principle.