The trailer for the documentary ‘In Whose Name?’ reveals Kanye West (Ye) admitting he stopped taking medication, prompting an emotional reaction from ex-wife Kim Kardashian. Directed by Nico Ballesteros over six years, the film offers unprecedented access to West’s mental health struggles, collapsing marriage, and professional controversies.
Who: The documentary centers on Kanye West (now legally known as Ye) and features prominent appearances by his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. Filmmaker Nico Ballesteros began documenting West at age 18, capturing thousands of hours of private footage over six years. Producer Simran A. Singh and AMSI Entertainment are behind the project.
What: The teaser shows West declaring ‘I’m off my meds for five months now’ while a visibly distressed Kardashian responds: ‘Your personality was not like this a few years ago!’ The documentary promises raw footage of West’s mental health episodes, marriage breakdown, and loss of major business partnerships. West is shown describing himself as ‘a masochist’ who’d ‘rather be dead than be on medication.’
When & Where: Filming occurred between 2019-2025 during West’s most turbulent years. The trailer debuted on August 13, 2025, with the full documentary scheduled for theatrical release on September 19, 2025. It will screen in approximately 1,000 theaters nationwide through AMC, Regal, and Cinemark chains.
Why: Ballesteros aimed to create an unfiltered portrait of mental illness’s impact under extreme visibility. The director stated his camera became ‘both a shield and a window’ to capture West’s reality without filters. Producer Singh emphasized there was ‘no agenda’ – only documenting West’s journey through brilliance and breakdowns.
How: Ballesteros maintained unprecedented access by ‘fading into the background’ with his camera always rolling. The film presents footage without commentary, allowing viewers to interpret events independently. The title ‘In Whose Name?’ questions the nature of idolatry – both West’s pursuit of external validation and society’s worship of celebrities.
Impact: The trailer highlights the human cost of West’s mental health struggles, particularly on his family relationships. Kardashian’s raw emotional response underscores the personal toll of his medication decisions. Professionally, the footage references West’s loss of lucrative brand deals following controversial public statements.
What’s Next: The full documentary releases September 19, potentially reshaping public understanding of West’s controversial behavior. Industry analysts suggest it may influence ongoing conversations about mental health support for public figures. Kardashian’s involvement could signal her continued advocacy for mental health awareness despite their divorce.