Movies
Ava DuVernay‘s latest documentary has sparked an unexpected debate. This comes after its premiere at the New York Film Festival on Friday. DuVernay directs and produces 14th, which explores the Fourteenth Amendment, covering citizenship, voting rights, and the insurrection clause.
The film has drawn criticism for using generative AI to animate archival black-and-white images of Black Americans from the post-slavery era, according to World of Reel. Subjects in these photographs blink and smile on screen, raising questions about consent and the ethics of altering images of people who cannot approve these changes. The criticism is particularly notable given the film’s focus on rights, representation, and control over one’s image.
The filmmaker was asked about using AI during a post-screening press conference. The Emmy-winning director explained the animation was inspired by Civil War-era stereoscopic photography, which created a 3D effect. She said the artists used similar tech to recreate that effect in the documentary, adding, “That was the goal for that, and that’s why we used it.”
Ava DuVernay’s 14th adds to Hollywood’s growing AI debate
DuVernay’s 14th joins a growing list of Hollywood films scrutinized for using emerging technology. Established directors like Martin Scorsese, Robert Zemeckis, and James Cameron have openly embraced AI tools to de-age actors or reduce production costs. However, others remain concerned about its implications for creative work and performers’ rights.
Nicolas Cage recently raised similar concerns regarding Prime Video’s Spider-Noir series at NYCC. The actor said he didn’t sign a waiver allowing AI use on the superhero series. “I am not an AI-friendly actor,” Cage said, adding that he would not work with Amazon again. Instead, he wants to team up with Gen Z directors who make their projects “from scratch by hand.”
Meanwhile, 14th will receive a limited theatrical release on November 27 before its global Netflix debut on December 4, 2026.
