Ava DuVernay has announced a new documentary film titled 14th to be released on Netflix. This film delves into the historical and contemporary significance of the 14th Amendment, which was ratified in 1868. The documentary will explore how the amendment granted freedom and rights to formerly enslaved individuals post-Civil War.

DuVernay is known for her work on past projects like Selma and Origin. Her 2016 film 13th examined the legacy of the 13th Amendment which ended slavery. This new documentary marks her return to nonfiction filmmaking.

The 14th Amendment has faced legal challenges from former President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order aiming to restrict birthright citizenship. This executive order, however, was struck down by the Supreme Court in a 6-3 vote. The 14th Amendment declares that all individuals born or naturalized in the U.S. are citizens of the country and their respective states.

The amendment overturned the 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford decision, which stated descendants of slaves could not be U.S. citizens. DuVernay’s upcoming film will feature discussions from politicians, historians, and cultural commentators. She expressed that 14th will focus on the ongoing relevance of the amendment.

Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized the amendment’s core principle that citizenship includes the right to have rights. He noted that the framers extended this promise to every free-born person in the U.S., affirming that this promise continues today.

Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump expressed his intent to contest it, claiming on Truth Social that the ruling could harm the country if not revised.