I Am Not Your Negro

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I Am Not Your Negro

PG-13

Released Feb 3, 2017

1h 33m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

99%

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210 Reviews

83%

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10,000+ Ratings

In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, "Remember This House." The book was to be a revolutionary, personal account of the lives and assassinations of three of his close friends: Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. At the time of Baldwin's death in 1987, he left behind only 30 completed pages of this manuscript. Filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished.

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Critics Consensus

I Am Not Your Negro offers an incendiary snapshot of James Baldwin's crucial observations on American race relations -- and a sobering reminder of how far we've yet to go.

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Amelia Ayrelan Iuvino

Bitch Media

It's an undeniably excellent film and a much-needed tribute to both Baldwin and the racial politics of the 1960s and ʼ70s... The only shortcoming of Peck's film is its almost complete erasure of Baldwin's homosexuality.

Feb 18, 2021

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Linda Marric

The London Economic

Its themes are as important today as they were yesterday, especially in the current climate of radical right-wing ideas and racist sentiment sweeping Trump's America.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 31, 2020

Full Review

Bilge Ebiri

Spirituality & Health

Baldwin's fury and his despair come through in vivid fashion, making this film not just an important social document, but an essential work of art.

Mar 23, 2020

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

This outstanding and informative film presents Baldwin’s musings alongside sobering imagery of both the turbulent history of the era and parallel occurrences of modern racial unrest that echo the same violence, inequality, anger, and sorrow.

Rated: 5/5

Sep 4, 2023

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Erick Estrada

Cinegarage

I Am Not Your Negro avoids gratuitous lamentation both in form and substance. [Full review in Spanish]

May 16, 2023

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Michael Cuby

them.

Though it may limit discussion of Baldwin’s sexuality to a singular passing reference, the 2017 documentary still offers an essential and compelling peek into one of our nation’s most impressive minds.

Oct 3, 2022

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Patricia

James Baldwin very thoughtfully and powerfully described what life means for him as a black person in the United States.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/20/23

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Amulet17

This is a powerful and articulate film that will stir the heart of anyone with a passion for social justice. Its raw and if you are open its likely to pierce your conscience or make you more conscious or both. Yay for James Baldwin

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/21/22

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David K

I kept this film in the queue for months not wanting to watch another documentary about a period in American history I remember all too well. But, as is YouTube TV's design, it was going away the next day. At first, it seemed like another retread, but as I watched, the elegance of Mr. Baldwin's words took it (and me) to another place. Simply one of the best.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/27/25

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S R

I saw it since it was on the NYT 1000 movies list. I learned about some personal insights into the civil rights movement and Wallace's stories. However, it was very depressing. The optimism was not there for what the future held. Then to throw in all the 21st century shootings and beatings did not paint a pretty picture. I do not plan to see it again. SLC DVD.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

05/22/25

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Petros T

The text is James Baldwin's own, and it is effectively paired with archive material (including aptly placed newer footage) that match and expand upon it. Both the audio and the visuals speak for themselves; he is evidently articulate and captivating, and American history is doubtlessly full of tragedy and injustice - to this day. Samuel L. Jackson does a great job with the narration, however his recognizable voice and the fact that he doesn't sound at all like Baldwin are a little distracting.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/24/23

Full Review

sean m

One of the best movies I have seen. There is not a single thing that this film sets out to accomplish that it does not execute to perfection. I am so grateful that the makers of this film have provided such a powerful medium for James Baldwin's voice to speak through the ages.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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Raoul Peck

Director

Samuel L. Jackson

Narrator

James Baldwin

Writer

Rémi Grellety

Producer

Raoul Peck

Producer

Hébert Peck

Producer

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I Am Not Your Negro: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, "Remember This House." The book was to be a revolutionary, personal account of the lives and assassinations of three of his close friends: Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. At the time of Baldwin's death in 1987, he left behind only 30 completed pages of this manuscript. Filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished.

Director: Raoul Peck
Producer: Rémi Grellety, Raoul Peck, Hébert Peck
Screenwriter: James Baldwin
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures, Amazon Studios
Production Co: RTS - Radio Télévision Suisse, Velvet Film, Artemis Productions, Arte France, RTBF, Close Up Films
Rating: PG-13 (Disturbing Violent Images|Brief Nudity|Language|Thematic Material)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 3, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 2, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $7.1M
Runtime: 1h 33m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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