Stamped from the Beginning (film)

Stamped from the Beginning is an 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.

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.

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

Reception
The documentary has received universal acclaim from critics.