Shondaland Brings a Groundbreaking Story to Life
Produced by the powerhouse team at Shondaland, the newly acquired documentary ‘Black Barbie’ is set to premiere on Netflix on June 19th, exploring a crucial moment in Mattel’s history.
Directed by Lagueria Davis, the film delves into the impact of three remarkable Black women who were responsible for the debut of the Black Barbie doll in 1980.
The Trailblazers: Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby
‘Black Barbie’ shines a spotlight on Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby, the trio of visionaries who brought about a revolutionary change within the iconic Barbie brand.
Through insider interviews and captivating storytelling, the documentary examines the importance of true representation and how dolls can play a crucial role in shaping a child’s identity and imagination.
Representation Matters: Dolls as Childhood Symbols
The documentary underscores the profound impact that representation can have, particularly when it comes to childhood symbols like dolls.
As Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes aptly stated, “Dolls aren’t just dolls; they are symbols that can be crucial to identity formation and imagination.”
‘Black Barbie’ is a collaborative effort, executive produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers for Shondaland, Grace Lay and Sumalee Montano for LinLay Productions, Camilla Hall for Lady & Bird Films, as well as Milan Chakraborty and Jyoti Sarda.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
The release of ‘Black Barbie’ comes at a time when diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of conversations across industries.
By exploring the groundbreaking efforts of Mitchell, Perkins, and Irby, the documentary not only celebrates their achievements but also highlights the ongoing importance of representation in toys and media.
