Ava DuVernay, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the Oscar-nominated and Peabody Award-winning documentary '13th', is back with another thought-provoking project, '14th', which delves into the ongoing battle for equality and citizenship in America. This time, she's joined forces with Netflix, the streaming giant that has been a platform for her previous works, including the Emmy-winning series 'When They See Us' and the limited series 'Colin in Black & White'.
'14th' is a powerful exploration of the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 during the Reconstruction era, which guarantees birthright citizenship and equal protection under the law. DuVernay, in her signature style, takes a hard look at the present-day implications of this amendment, particularly in the context of ongoing legal challenges and political debates.
What makes '14th' particularly compelling is its focus on the present, rather than the past. DuVernay states, 'This is not a film about the past tense of freedom. I’m not interested in asking you to look back.' Instead, she invites viewers to consider the ongoing struggles for equality and the ongoing battles over citizenship, which are very much alive in today's political climate.
The documentary features a diverse range of voices, including members of Congress, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Anna Paulina Luna, as well as former and current political figures like Jeff Flake and Alex Padilla. It also includes interviews with experts like Sherrilyn Ifill, Robert Chang, and Carla Hayden, who provides a unique perspective given her own history of facing political attacks.
One of the most fascinating aspects of '14th' is its ability to bridge the ideological divide. DuVernay spoke with both left-wing cultural critic Hasan Piker and conservative author Donald T. Critchlow, demonstrating the complexity and nuance of the issues at hand. This approach allows viewers to consider multiple perspectives and encourages a deeper understanding of the challenges facing American democracy.
'14th' is a continuation of DuVernay's work on '13th', but it also stands on its own as a powerful commentary on the state of American democracy. Her remarks upon accepting the Great Americans Medal from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in 2025 resonate throughout the film: 'History is not a weapon to be sheathed when inconvenient. It is not a bedtime story meant to lull us to sleep. It is a river, flowing… deep and often turbulent.'
In my opinion, '14th' is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history, politics, and social justice. It's a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that highlights the ongoing struggles for equality and citizenship, and it invites viewers to consider the future of democracy in America. Personally, I think it's a powerful reminder of the importance of staying informed and engaged in the political process, and it's a call to action for all of us to stand up for what's right.
