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

The true story of a lost era.

Directed by Brad Osborne59mDocumentary

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.

Year
2007
Country
US
Language
English
Release date
15 September 2007
TMDB
6.5 (4)
CineVerse
— (0)

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Lawrence Varnado
Lawrence Varnado
Narrator
Herb Jeffries
Herb Jeffries
Himself
Ruby Dee
Ruby Dee
Herself
Jeni Le Gon
Jeni Le Gon
Herself
L
Leroy Collins
Himself
Pearl Bowser
Pearl Bowser
Herself

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