Ava DuVernay spoke powerfully about her new documentary, 13TH, at a press conference before its world premiere on opening night of the 54th New York Film Festival. She offered insight into her motivations for making such a timely documentary, which explores the plague of mass incarceration and its roots in the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery in the United States. The conversation was moderated by festival director Kent Jones. 13TH is the first nonfiction film ever selected to open NYFF.

The 54th New York Film Festival runs September 30 – October 16 at the Film Society of Lincoln Center. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive videos throughout the festival.