Netflix And Shondaland Partner For Exclusive Release Of ‘Black Barbie: A Documentary’ Directed By Lagueria Davis

Netflix and Shondaland have secured the worldwide rights to "Black Barbie: A Documentary," an acclaimed film directed by Lagueria Davis. The documentary, which garnered critical acclaim during its work-in-progress screening at this year's SXSW Film Festival, is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers as part of their ongoing collaboration with Netflix. This partnership, initiated in 2017 with the signing of the Bridgerton duo, was extended in 2021.

"Black Barbie: A Documentary" arrives at a moment when the iconic doll, originally created by Mattel, has reached new heights of cultural significance. Greta Gerwig's fantasy comedy film "Barbie," released by Warner Bros and grossing over $1.43 billion worldwide since its July 2023 release, has become the highest-grossing film of the year and the top earner in the history of the studio under a solo female director.

While sharing thematic resonance with Gerwig's film, "Black Barbie" takes a unique perspective, focusing on the significant impact of three Black women at Mattel on the evolution of the Barbie brand. Through the compelling narratives of these insiders, the documentary explores the creation of the first Black Barbie in 1980, highlighting the importance of representation and the role of dolls in shaping identity and imagination.

The film's producers include Aaliyah Williams for Just A Rebel and Lagueria Davis for Lovely Day Films. Executive producers, in addition to Rhimes and Beers for Shondaland, include Grace Lay and Sumalee Montano for LinLay Productions, Camilla Hall for Lady & Bird Films, Milan Chakraborty, and Jyoti Sarda.

Lagueria Davis expressed her personal connection to the project, stating, "Telling Black Barbie's story has been such a personal journey, and it warms my heart to celebrate the legacy of my aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby in our film. We couldn't have asked for better collaborators than Shondaland and Netflix to bring this story to the world."

Shondaland, known for producing hit series like "Inventing Anna," "Bridgerton," and "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" on Netflix, continues to deliver captivating content to its audience. Their upcoming series, "The Residence," based on Kate Andersen Brower's book, promises an intriguing "screwball whodunnit" within the private world of the White House.