A new documentary film, “Black Barbie,” is set to premiere on Netflix, shedding light on the fascinating story behind the creation of the first Black Barbie doll in 1980. Directed by Lagueria Davis, this film explores the impact of three Black women – Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby – who played a crucial role in shaping the iconic doll brand.
The documentary, which runs for 94 minutes, features interviews with historians, public figures, and the three women who helped bring Black Barbie to life. Through their stories, the film highlights the importance of representation and how dolls can shape a child’s identity and imagination. Davis’s personal connection to the story adds depth to the narrative, as she is the niece of Beulah Mae Mitchell.
“Black Barbie” premiered at the 2023 South by Southwest film festival and has received positive reviews for its engaging storytelling and historical significance. Critics praise the film for its thoughtful exploration of representation, diversity, and inclusion. According to Variety’s Lisa Kennedy, 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”.
The documentary is not related to the 2023 Barbie film starring Margot Robbie but instead focuses on the real-life story of how Black Barbie came to be. It showcases the challenges faced by the three Black women who worked at Mattel and their contributions to the doll’s design and creation. Kitty Black Perkins, for instance, designed the first Black Barbie inspired by Diana Ross, while Stacey McBride-Irby created the 30th-anniversary doll.
The film highlights the significance of representation in the toy industry, particularly for Black children who often felt excluded from mainstream toys. Shonda Rhimes, executive producer of the documentary, notes that “there is real damage done when you force children of color to play with white dolls”. The documentary demonstrates how Black Barbie has become a symbol of empowerment and diversity.
Key Takeaways:
- Premiere Date: June 19, 2024, on Netflix
- Director: Lagueria Davis
- Runtime: 94 minutes
- Executive Producers: Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, and Camilla Hall
The documentary features stunning visuals, archival footage, and clever use of Barbie dolls to illustrate key points. With its release on Netflix, “Black Barbie” is set to inspire a new generation of young viewers to appreciate the power of representation and diversity.
As Carla Renata notes in her review, “Black Barbie” is “a smart, agile education on a world not historically made for us”. The documentary is a testament to the impact of Black women on the Barbie brand and their contributions to the conversation around representation.
Critical Reception:
- 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”.
- Hammer to Nail: “This documentary is a celebration of the talents and creativity of Black women”.
- Black Girl Nerds: “Black Barbie: A Documentary centers Black women and girls reminding us our beauty is ubiquitous and the strength of our support and love for one another is how we always rise and thrive”.
The documentary’s message extends beyond the world of toys, emphasizing the importance of representation in all aspects of life. By sharing the story of Black Barbie, Davis hopes to inspire a new generation of young people to appreciate the power of diversity and inclusion.
With its engaging narrative and historical significance, “Black Barbie” is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in the intersection of marketing, merchandising, and representation. Don’t miss its inspiring story and the impact it has had on the world of toys and beyond.
Get Ready to Watch:
“Black Barbie: A Documentary” is now available on Netflix, offering a compelling look at the history of the iconic doll brand and the women who helped shape it. With its positive message and engaging storytelling, this documentary is set to resonate with audiences worldwide ¹ ² ³.
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