A scene from ‘Black Barbie: A Documentary’

Hot Docs Review: ‘Black Barbie: A Documentary’ shows it’s not all fun and games

‘Black Barbie: A Documentary’ examines Black female representation via one of the world’s most popular and recognizable toy brands.

Using their imaginations during play is a natural means by which children foster creativity, practice problem-solving, and develop social, emotional and language skills. For this reason, there are a variety of toys available, appealing to different children in different ways. But what message does it send to kids when they don’t see toys that reflect themselves or their lived experiences? For decades, the only dolls found on any toy shelf were Caucasian. However, that didn’t stop people from making their own dolls that better represented their appearance and skin tones. Black Barbie: A Documentary explores how one of the most recognizable toy brands finally made a mainstream, dark-skinned doll.

The story is a bit of a personal journey for director Lagueria Davis, who suddenly finds herself surrounded by her aunt’s decades-spanning doll collection. Exploring the hobby, Davis uncovers her family’s personal connection to Mattel, learning her aunt, Beulah Mae Mitchell, worked there for 45 years and may have had a hand in the production of the company’s first Black figure. Having never understood the appeal of dolls, Davis goes further down the rabbit hole to explore the history of non-White dolls, the meaning they held for children and collectors when they were finally released, and whether those efforts to integrate and progress Black representation have been sustained over time.

Most people are aware of Black Barbie and Malibu Barbie’s friends of colour. However, they may not know of the rich history of non-White dolls that included an independent toy company, which solely produced dolls that accurately and successfully reflected a diverse consumer-base and proved its profitability. The narrative is presented in three chapters, beginning with the world pre-Black Barbie and sentiments from Black adults whose only childhood choice was White and blonde. Then it follows the progress at Mattel, spearheaded by Louvenia (Kitty) Black Perkins and later Stacey Mcbride-Irby, who worked to ensure the new generation of Barbie felt authentic and relatable. The last segment engages experts and children in discussions about the impact of diverse toys, and questions whether Mattel is doing enough to keep the conversation moving forward.

This documentary approaches a seemingly benign subject from a number of angles, putting human faces to a popular children’s toy. The film is very much rooted in race relations, particularly how they played out at Mattel and in its expanding product line, then and now. However, the most eye-opening section of the film comes when several groups of ethnically-diverse kids participate in a focus group about Barbie and her friends. The feelings they reveal surrounding body image, race and seeing themselves reflected (or not) in the dolls is possibly the most important part of the movie.

Black Barbie: A Documentary had its international premiere in the Special Presentations programme at the Hot Docs Festival.

Read other reviews from the festival.

Director: Lagueria Davis

Similar Posts

  • Review: Hot Docs’ ‘Special Presentations’ demands your attention (Includes first-hand account)

    If you’re a festival goer seeking high-profile, high-interest fair, the first place to look is the “Special Presentations” section. Even though some of the selections may fit into other programs, the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival has thoughtfully singled out these movies because they have a certain quality. In some cases the picture is associated with a celebrity or well-known filmmaker, it could already be the subject of considerable buzz prior to its premiere, or the topic could be very timely at present. In the case of the four films listed below, the latter is most true.

  • Review: ‘Black or White’ has the uncomfortable conversations (Includes first-hand account)

    Preliminary judgement based on physical traits is virtually engrained in our psyche. When you look at someone, the first thing you notice is their physique, desirability and/or skin colour. No level of education can reverse this process, but as a character in this film suggests, “What matters is your second, third and fourth thought.” Race relations are at the centre of Black or White, but it earnestly explores covert prejudices that many are hesitant to admit and are difficult to eradicate.

  • Review: ‘I Am Big Bird’ is a delightful record of the character and man (Includes interview)

    There are certain aspects of childhood that carry through from one generation to the next. Since its inception, Sesame Street has been one of those pieces. Created by The Muppets originator Jim Henson, the show was intended to entertain and teach a young audience. Human characters would interact with the Muppet personalities and demonstrate valuable life and educational lessons. Though the furry, fuzzy and feathered creatures became international sensations, little was known about the people who operated them allowing them to maintain their anonymity in spite of being worldwide stars. I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story sheds some light on the man who’s brought life to the lovable yellow bird and his grouchy friend for nearly 50 years.

  • Review: ‘Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead’ is true to National Lampoon (Includes first-hand account)

    While political and social commentary still exists, the style of no-holds-barred satire that was popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s is more difficult to find — though that doesn’t mean some issues and pundits couldn’t benefit from the treatment. Ranging from R- to X-rated material, nothing and no one was safe from the wit of the artists’ pitiless pen or writers’ remorseless words. The early years of The National Lampoon set a precedent and generated a new genre of raunchy, antagonistic comedy — and Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of The National Lampoon sets out to prove it.