Liputan6.com, Jakarta The entertainment world has once again been rocked by the release of a new documentary that thoroughly examines the life of one of the most controversial figures in the music industry, Kanye West.
Titled "In Whose Name?", the film offers an unfiltered look at the journey of the American rapper, also known as Ye.
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Directed by Nico Ballesteros, the 1-hour-52-minute film is scheduled to hit theaters starting Friday, September 19, 2025, through AMSI Entertainment.
"In Whose Name?" will be widely distributed in the United States, reaching approximately 1,000 theaters through partnerships with major chains such as AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, and Cinemark Theatres.
The film has been rated R for strong language and brief sexual content.
Behind the Scenes of "In Whose Name?": Director and Production
The documentary project "In Whose Name?" This film was directed by young director Nico Ballesteros, who began work at the age of 18, in 2018.
Ballesteros had extensive access to Kanye West, allowing him to record over 3,000 hours of footage over six years.
In addition to Ballesteros as director and producer, the film also includes Simran A. Singh as producer, and Shy Ranje and Jack M. Russell as co-producers.
The film's running time of 1 hour and 52 minutes is expected to present a comprehensive narrative.
AMSI Entertainment's distribution of "In Whose Name?" to thousands of cinemas demonstrates the scale of the production and the high expectations placed on the film.
The R rating indicates that the film contains explicit content relevant to the realities of its subjects.
Revealing the Other Side of Kanye West's Life
The documentary "In Whose Name?" specifically covers six years in Kanye West's life, from 2018 to 2024.
The documentary candidly examines West's struggles with bipolar disorder and his decision to stop taking medication.
Furthermore, "In Whose Name?" also highlights his personal life, including the dynamics of his marriage to Kim Kardashian and their highly publicized divorce proceedings.
Aspects of Kanye West's career and business are also highlighted, including his unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign and various failed business ventures.
Stars of the Documentary "In Whose Name?"
"In Whose Name?" not only features Kanye West, but also features a number of famous faces from various fields who have intersected with his life.
Some of the big names appearing in the documentary include Kim Kardashian, Drake, Lady Gaga, LeBron James, and Pharrell Williams.
Political figures such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump are also seen in the film, demonstrating West's extensive network and influence.
Furthermore, the film also features Candace Owens, Charlie Kirk, Marilyn Manson, Playboi Carti, Swizz Beatz, Kris Jenner, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Jared Kushner.
Kanye West's Reaction and Early Critic Reviews
Kanye West himself has commented on the documentary "In Whose Name?". In a text message posted by Ballesteros, West called the film "very profound" and "like dying and looking back on my life."
The Guardian critic Andrew Lawrence gave it four stars and described it as "a thoroughly engaging watch."
Lawrence noted that the film offers "a more complete picture of where and how things went so wrong" for West.
However, Lawrence also acknowledged that the film doesn't reveal much new.
Nevertheless, "In Whose Name?" is still considered a success in presenting an honest and uncompromising portrait of one of the most complex figures of the modern era.