The documentary ‘In Whose Name?’, which offers an intimate and often unsettling portrait of Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, is set to make its global streaming debut tonight. The film will be available on major video-on-demand platforms including Apple, Amazon, Google YouTube and Fandango from midnight.
Directed by filmmaker Nico Ballesteros, the 104-minute feature is drawn from more than 3,000 hours of footage filmed over six years. Ballesteros began following West at the age of 18, gaining rare and unrestricted access to the artist during a turbulent period marked by mental health struggles, public controversy and the breakdown of his marriage to Kim Kardashian.
The documentary traces West’s bipolar diagnosis alongside the rapid expansion of his fashion empire, mounting media scrutiny and the loss of major brand partnerships. Viewers see the artist in a range of settings, from his hometown of Chicago to the White House, and in meetings with figures including Elon Musk and musician Kenny G.
According to the film’s synopsis, In Whose Name? explores themes of fame, faith, power and mental health, presenting a stripped-back and often contradictory portrait of its subject. The film also reflects Ballesteros’ own journey, positioning the project as a coming-of-age story for both filmmaker and artist.
Reflecting on the experience, Ballesteros said his life changed dramatically after gaining access to West’s world, moving from a middle-class upbringing to travelling by private jet and observing one of the most famous figures of the era at close quarters. He described the film as the culmination of his personal and creative development as a documentarian.
In Whose Name? was released theatrically on around 1,000 screens on 19 September and topped the US documentary box office for two consecutive weeks. It received strong responses from both critics and audiences.
Ballesteros said he was humbled by the film’s reception and welcomed the move to streaming, noting that it allows the documentary’s examination of American belief, identity and power to reach a global audience.
The film is directed, produced and edited by Ballesteros, who also served as cinematographer. Producing credits include Simran A. Singh, with editing by Jack M. Russell and Justin Staple. Executive producers include Nick Jarjour and Amy A. Singh, with additional producing and co-executive producing credits shared among the creative team.
