Story perspectives

Ava DuVernay’s ‘14th’ Debuts NYFF Closing Night

7/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ava DuVernay will debut her documentary “14th” as the closing-night selection of the New York Film Festival.
The world premiere will be at Alice Tully Hall on Friday, October 9, 2026, with DuVernay present.
The festival, presented by Lincoln Center with Rolex, runs from September 25 to October 12, 2026.
DuVernay said “14th” interrogates a promise powerful enough to change a nation, following her 2016 film “13th,” which opened NYFF ten years earlier.

History

Historical Context

After the Civil War, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and, facing Southern Black Codes, drafted the Fourteenth Amendment, written chiefly by Rep. John Bingham. With three-quarters of states (28 of 37) ratifying it on July 9 1868 despite President Andrew Johnson’s veto, the amendment secured citizenship and equal protection. Ava DuVernay’s documentary “14th,” debuting Oct 9 2026 at the New York Film Festival, revisits this Reconstruction legacy.

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Story summary

Ava DuVernay will debut her documentary “14th” as the closing-night selection of the New York Film Festival.
The world premiere will be at Alice Tully Hall on Friday, October 9, 2026, with DuVernay present.
The festival, presented by Lincoln Center with Rolex, runs from September 25 to October 12, 2026.
DuVernay said “14th” interrogates a promise powerful enough to change a nation, following her 2016 film “13th,” which opened NYFF ten years earlier.

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