Lagueria Davis, 2023, USA, 100 min.

“It took 21 years for one black fashion doll to be worthy of the Barbie name.” So says award winning Queer director, Lagueria Davis (Maid of Dishonor) who decided to make “Black Barbie” after spending time with her Aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell, a 45-year employee at Mattel. Those conversations sparked a curiosity about the evolution of Black Barbie leading to complex conversations of race, body image and social influence. Davis’ compelling documentary begins by exploring the history of Black women at Mattel, breaking barriers, and inspiring little Black girls in the 70’s. Davis doesn’t hold back in her reflections of adult influential Black women moved to tears as they recount their longing and confusion as little girls who loved dolls that were white, with flowing long hair. This is not just a documentary about dolls. It is about empowerment, expression, and the confluence of play with the not-so-subtle messages Black children continue to receive about their place in our society. (Sunny Hall)