description 13th Overview
'13th' examines the history of racial inequality in America through the lens of mass incarceration. Ava DuVernays powerful documentary connects slavery, Jim Crow laws, and contemporary criminal justice policies, revealing a systemic pattern of oppression. Its continued relevance underscores ongoing struggles for racial equality.
help 13th FAQ
Why is Ava DuVernay's 13th named after the Thirteenth Amendment?
The title refers to the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1865, which abolished slavery except as punishment for a crime. DuVernay's film argues that this exception connects slavery, convict leasing, Jim Crow, and modern mass incarceration.
Where can 13th be watched, and when did it come out?
13th was released by Netflix in 2016 and runs about 100 minutes. It also became the first documentary to open the New York Film Festival.
Who appears in 13th besides historians and activists?
The documentary includes interviews with figures such as Angela Davis, Michelle Alexander, Cory Booker, and Newt Gingrich. That range lets the film cover policy, activism, prison economics, and media narratives rather than only one political viewpoint.
Did 13th receive major awards attention?
Yes, 13th was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Ava DuVernay also won major documentary awards for the film, which became one of Netflix's most discussed nonfiction releases of the 2010s.
explore Explore More
Similar to 13th
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
