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      Black Barbie: A Documentary

      2023 1h 40m Documentary List
      100% 17 Reviews Tomatometer Through intimate access to a charismatic Mattel insider, Beulah Mae Mitchell, Black Barbie delves into the cross section of merchandise and representation as Black women struggle to elevate their own voices and stories, refusing to be invisible. This film is a personal exploration that will tell a richly archival, thought-provoking story that gives voice to the insights and experiences of Beulah Mae Mitchell, the aunt of the Los Angeles-based filmmaker, who spent 45-years working at Mattel. Upon Mattel's 1980 release of Black Barbie, the film turns to the intergenerational impact the doll had. Discussing how the absence of black images in the "social mirror" left Black girls with little other than White subjects for self-reflection and self-projection. Beulah Mae Mitchell and other Black women in the film talk about their own, complex, varied experience of not seeing themselves represented, and how Black Barbie's transformative arrival affected them personally. Read More Read Less

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      Black Barbie: A Documentary

      Black Barbie: A Documentary (2023) Black Barbie: A Documentary (2023) Black Barbie: A Documentary (2023) Black Barbie: A Documentary (2023) View more photos

      Critics Reviews

      View All (17) Critics Reviews
      Robert Daniels RogerEbert.com A searing critique of what it means to be seen in mass media. Nov 13, 2023 Full Review Lisa Kennedy Variety Davis makes a jam-packed argument that the road to Barbie diversity and inclusion has been long and marked by detours, intersections and, maybe a dead end or two. May 2, 2023 Full Review Lovia Gyarkye Hollywood Reporter Energetic and informative, if uneven... Mar 17, 2023 Full Review Carla Hay Culture Mix Black Barbie: A Documentary is essential viewing not just for people who are interested in this often-overlooked part of Barbie doll history but also for people who aren't fans of Barbie dolls but want to watch a fascinating pop culture documentary. Nov 24, 2023 Full Review Ruth Maramis FlixChatter Film Blog It would behoove those enamored by the Barbie movie to take their time to watch this enlightening film that examines Barbie dolls' intergenerational impact, especially in marginalized communities. Rated: 3.5/5 Oct 24, 2023 Full Review Pat Mullen POV Magazine Black Barbie is sharp, joyous cultural commentary when Davis keeps her focus...But once it expands the circle to peripheral talking heads...Black Barbie becomes burdened by competing agendas. Oct 6, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Through intimate access to a charismatic Mattel insider, Beulah Mae Mitchell, Black Barbie delves into the cross section of merchandise and representation as Black women struggle to elevate their own voices and stories, refusing to be invisible. This film is a personal exploration that will tell a richly archival, thought-provoking story that gives voice to the insights and experiences of Beulah Mae Mitchell, the aunt of the Los Angeles-based filmmaker, who spent 45-years working at Mattel. Upon Mattel's 1980 release of Black Barbie, the film turns to the intergenerational impact the doll had. Discussing how the absence of black images in the "social mirror" left Black girls with little other than White subjects for self-reflection and self-projection. Beulah Mae Mitchell and other Black women in the film talk about their own, complex, varied experience of not seeing themselves represented, and how Black Barbie's transformative arrival affected them personally.
      Director
      Lagueria Davis
      Producer
      Grace Lay, Sumalee Montano, Camilla Hall, Milan Chakraborty, Jyoti Sarda
      Screenwriter
      Lagueria Davis, Lagueria Davis
      Production Co
      Lovely Day Films, Just A Rebel, LinLay Productions, Lady & Bird Films
      Genre
      Documentary
      Original Language
      English
      Runtime
      1h 40m