Stamped from the Beginning (film)

Stamped from the Beginning
Directed byRoger Ross Williams
Written byDavid Teague
Produced by
  • Roger Ross Williams
  • David Teague
  • Alisa Payne
CinematographyWolfgang Held
Edited by
  • John Fisher
  • Francesca Sharper
Music by
Production
company
  • One Story Up
Distributed byNetflix
Release dates
  • September 9, 2023 (2023-09-09) (TIFF)
  • November 10, 2023 (2023-11-10)
Running time
85 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Stamped from the Beginning is a 2023 American documentary film, directed and produced by Roger Ross Williams. It is based upon the non-fiction book of the same name by Ibram X. Kendi.

It had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2023, and was released in a limited release on November 10, 2023, prior to streaming on Netflix on November 20, 2023.

Premise

Based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Ibram X. Kendi, the film explores racist tropes and imagery that were developed and enshrined in American culture throughout history.

Participants

Kendi, Angela Davis, Autumn Womack, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Brittney Cooper, Carol Anderson, Dorothy Roberts, Elizabeth Hinton, Honorée Jeffers, Imani Perry, Jennifer L. Morgan, Kellie Carter-Jackson, Lynae Vanee, Ruha Benjamin and Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers appear in the film.[1]

Production

In June 2021, it was announced Netflix had acquired the rights to Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi, with Roger Ross Williams set to direct and produce a documentary based upon the book.[2]

Release

The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2023, where it received a 5-minute ovation.[3][4] It was given a limited release on November 10, 2023, prior to streaming on Netflix on November 20, 2023.[5][6]

Reception

The documentary has received universal acclaim from critics. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 27 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8/10. The website's consensus reads: "Looking pointedly to the past in an effort to help illuminate the present, Stamped from the Beginning is an outstanding documentary achievement."[7]

References

  1. ^ Gyarkye, Lovia (September 19, 2023). "'Stamped From the Beginning' Review: Roger Ross Williams' Absorbing but Limited Doc Recasts Black History's Narrators". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
  2. ^ Sun, Rebecca (June 15, 2021). "Netflix Partners with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi for Three Projects Based on His Books (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
  3. ^ "Stamped from the Beginning". Toronto International Film Festival. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
  4. ^ Carey, Matthew (July 26, 2023). "TIFF Announces Documentary Lineup, With Film On Louis C.K. Scandal, Plus Latest From Raoul Peck, Errol Morris, Lucy Walker, Roger Ross Williams". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
  5. ^ O'Rourke, Ryan (August 30, 2023). "Roger Ross Williams Documentary 'Stamped From the Beginning' Sets Release Date". Collider. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
  6. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (October 30, 2023). "'Stamped From the Beginning' Examines Racism and White Supremacy in Documentary From Roger Ross Williams (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  7. ^ "Stamped from the Beginning". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved March 21, 2024.