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In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema (2007)

In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema (2007)

Documentary

The true story of a lost era.

Release Date: 2007, September 15
Directors: Brad Osborne
Cast: Ruby Dee, Lawrence Varnado, Herb Jeffries, Jeni Le Gon, Leroy Collins, Pearl Bowser

Overview:

This documentary captures the sounds and images of a nearly forgotten era in film history when African American filmmakers and studios created “race movies” exclusively for black audiences. The best of these films attempted to counter the demeaning stereotypes of black Americans prevalent in the popular culture of the day. About 500 films were produced, yet only about 100 still exist. Filmmaking pioneers like Oscar Micheaux, the Noble brothers, and Spencer Williams, Jr. left a lasting influence on black filmmakers, and inspired generations of audiences who finally saw their own lives reflected on the silver screen.

Keywords:

filmmaking hollywood black history