My Name Is Pauli Murray

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My Name Is Pauli Murray

PG-13

2021

1h 31m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

47 Reviews

84%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Fifteen years before Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat, a full decade before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned separate-but-equal legislation, Pauli Murray was already knee-deep fighting for social justice. A pioneering attorney, activist, priest and dedicated memoirist, Murray shaped landmark litigation--and consciousness--around race and gender equity. As an African American youth raised in the segregated South--who was also wrestling with broader notions of gender identity--Pauli understood, intrinsically, what it was to exist beyond previously accepted categories and cultural norms. Both Pauli's personal path and tireless advocacy foreshadowed some of the most politically consequential issues of our time. Told largely in Pauli's own words, My Name is Pauli Murray is a candid recounting of that unique and extraordinary journey.

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Critics Consensus

My Name Is Pauli Murray educates and uplifts in equal measure while paying stirring tribute to a largely unsung -- yet hugely important -- individual.

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Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

Oct 7, 2021

4/5

It does a terrific job of making amends, helped by a wealth of archival footage drawn from Murray's public and personal life.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Sep 19, 2021

4/5

Shines a light on a brilliant and uncompromising firebrand who paved the way for generations to come.

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Ronda Racha Penrice

TheWrap

Sep 17, 2021

More than rests its case on Murray's brilliance and important contributions. Those more steeped in the Black American experience historically, however, won't fail to notice the doc's lack of grounding in early civil-rights history.

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Amy Smith

InSession Film

Mar 1, 2024

A-

The main goal of a documentary is to inform, and that is exactly what My Name is Pauli Murray does. This is a person that deserves more recognition for everything that they did.

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Sarah Vincent

Cambridge Day

Aug 16, 2023

3.5/4

Cohen, PBS producer Talleah Bridges McMahon and editor Cinque Northern wrote this feature that frames Murray’s rightful place as an American founding parent who made significant contributions to human rights.

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Michael Cuby

them.

Nov 1, 2022

An effective portrait of an undersung political hero.

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Oct 17, 2021

Pauli is such an integral part of the progressive 20th century! Her name was stored somewhere in my memory before this movie. Now it is emblazoned in my brain. Ase and thank you from this brown girl with hope.

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dave d

@RT34924333 Oct 13, 2021

I'm ashamed this is my first experience with Pauli Murray. It won't be my last. Shunned by history for no good reason, Murray was a pioneer for equal rights for generations after her death. Why haven't we heard of her? One talking head says it best, "Paul Murray's time may not have come yet. Let's work for a world when it does." It's a must-see for so many reasons. It's you're working for equality it's best to see one of the first in her own words! Final Score: 8/10

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Oct 8, 2021

I can't say enough about "My Name is Pauli Murray", I was deep into this film from the start. It's everything from entertaining to poignant to deeply thought provoking. This film needs to get out to the world, particularly the US. The film flowed so beautifully, and I particularly liked how the editor framed how many years before significant events were shown - she was the orchestra-tor of monumental changes, that are in effect to this day. Pauli Murray was fiercely accomplished and a trailblazer before her time - it's past time she is recognized, honored and "become" part of history. I highly recommend this film, it should be greatly awarded for its striking depiction of Pauli Murray's remarkable life, and the gift it is to US history.

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Betsy West

Director

Julie Cohen

Director

Patricia Bell-Scott

Self

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Self

Brittney Cooper

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Julie Cohen

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Synopsis

Fifteen years before Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat, a full decade before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned separate-but-equal legislation, Pauli Murray was already knee-deep fighting for social justice. A pioneering attorney, activist, priest and dedicated memoirist, Murray shaped landmark litigation--and consciousness--around race and gender equity. As an African American youth raised in the segregated South--who was also wrestling with broader notions of gender identity--Pauli understood, intrinsically, what it was to exist beyond previously accepted categories and cultural norms. Both Pauli's personal path and tireless advocacy foreshadowed some of the most politically consequential issues of our time. Told largely in Pauli's own words, My Name is Pauli Murray is a candid recounting of that unique and extraordinary journey.

Director: Betsy West, Julie Cohen
Distributor: Amazon Studios
Production Co: Storyville Films, Participant, Drexler Films
Rating: PG-13 (Disturbing/Violent Images|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 17, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2021
Runtime: 1h 31m

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