Pink Ribbons, Inc. (2011)
A provocative documentary exposing how the pink ribbon movement became a corporate marketing machine — and what that means for breast cancer patients.
Pink Ribbons, Inc. - Movie Information
- Original Title: Pink Ribbons, Inc.
- Release Year: 2011
- Directed by: Léa Pool
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 11, 2011 (Canada - PG), April 21, 2012 (United States - PG)
- Alternative Titles: Pink Ribbons Inc (US)
- Production Companies: ONF | NFB
- Production Countries: United States of America, Canada
Pink Ribbons, Inc. - Plot
Breast cancer has become the poster child of corporate cause-related marketing campaigns. Countless women and men walk, bike, climb and shop for the cure. Each year, millions of dollars are raised in the name of breast cancer, but where does this money go and what does it actually achieve? Pink Ribbons, Inc. is a feature documentary that shows how the devastating reality of breast cancer, which marketing experts have labeled a "dream cause," becomes obfuscated by a shiny, pink story of success.
Pink Ribbons, Inc. - Trailer
See the official trailer and discover what lies beneath the pink ribbon:
Capitalizing on hope.
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Pink Ribbons, Inc. - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Léa Pool
Main Cast
- Samantha King
- Barbara Brenner
- Barbara Ehrenreich
- Nancy Brinker
- Susan Love
Pink Ribbons, Inc. - FAQs
What is Pink Ribbons, Inc. actually about?
Pink Ribbons, Inc. pulls back the curtain on the pink ribbon phenomenon, revealing how corporate cause-marketing has turned breast cancer into a lucrative brand. Director Léa Pool questions where the millions raised each year actually go and whether the glossy pink campaigns genuinely help patients or simply generate profit.
Where can you stream Pink Ribbons, Inc.?
You can watch Pink Ribbons, Inc. for free on Kanopy and Fawesome. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store, and you can catch it with ads on The Roku Channel.
Does the film criticize breast cancer charities directly?
The documentary doesn't attack charities outright, but it does raise sharp questions about accountability and transparency. It challenges the feel-good narrative surrounding pink ribbon campaigns, asking whether corporate sponsors benefit more from the cause than the patients and researchers the campaigns claim to support.
Who appears in Pink Ribbons, Inc.?
The film features a compelling lineup of voices, including author and activist Barbara Ehrenreich, Susan G. Komen founder Nancy Brinker, breast cancer surgeon Susan Love, and activist Barbara Brenner. Scholar Samantha King, whose book inspired the documentary, also appears throughout.
Is Pink Ribbons, Inc. based on a book?
Yes, the documentary is adapted from Samantha King's 2006 book Pink Ribbons, Inc.: Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy. King herself appears in the film, providing academic context for the broader critique of cause-related marketing and its impact on breast cancer research and advocacy.
When was Pink Ribbons, Inc. released?
Pink Ribbons, Inc. had its world premiere on September 11, 2011, in Canada. It then received its US release on April 21, 2012. The film was produced by the National Film Board of Canada and rated PG in both countries.
How long is Pink Ribbons, Inc.?
Pink Ribbons, Inc. runs for 97 minutes, making it a substantial feature-length documentary. It's long enough to explore its subject with real depth, weaving together interviews, archival footage, and critical analysis without ever feeling padded or rushed.
What are some documentaries similar to Pink Ribbons, Inc.?
If Pink Ribbons, Inc. resonated with you, try The Corporation (2003) for another sharp look at corporate power, or Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2019) for a broader economic critique. (Dis)Honesty: The Truth About Lies (2015) and The Edge of Democracy (2019) also tackle systemic deception in compelling ways.
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