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

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

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2007
0h 59m
6.5(4 votes)
Documentary

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.

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Cast & Crew

6 members
Acting

Lawrence Varnado

Narrator

Lawrence Varnado
Acting

Herb Jeffries

Himself

Herb Jeffries
Acting

Ruby Dee

Herself

Ruby Dee
Acting

Jeni Le Gon

Herself

Jeni Le Gon
Acting

Leroy Collins

Himself

No Image
Acting

Pearl Bowser

Herself

Pearl Bowser

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