Ava DuVernay defends AI use in documentary ‘14th’

Director Ava DuVernay has addressed criticism regarding the use of artificial intelligence in her new documentary, ‘14th’. The film examines the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment and the historical and contemporary struggles surrounding birthright citizenship.

DuVernay clarified that the technology was used specifically to animate public domain archival photographs to make historical moments feel more immediate to viewers. She emphasized that the production did not use AI to fabricate people, create digital avatars, or approximate voices to say things that were never spoken.

During discussions at AFI Fest, DuVernay noted that AI-related technology is already integrated into standard filmmaking workflows, including sound design, editing, and color correction. She argued that filmmakers must be “sober about the ways in which that technology is [used] across so much of the workflow.”

Despite her defense, the use of AI to animate historical figures has sparked debate regarding consent and the ethical representation of individuals who cannot approve alterations to their likeness.