CinemaOSMovie · 2007 · 0h 59m

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

The true story of a lost era.

65%(4)IMDbDocumentary

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.

Directed byBrad Osborne

Play
Status
Released
Runtime
0h 59m
Language
EN
Released
September 15, 2007

Featuring

Cast & crew

6 credited
Starring
Lawrence Varnado

Lawrence Varnado

Narrator

Herb Jeffries

Herb Jeffries

Himself

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee

Herself

Jeni Le Gon

Jeni Le Gon

Herself

Leroy Collins

Himself

Pearl Bowser

Pearl Bowser

Herself

Creative team
Directed by
Brad Osborne
Written by
Brad Osborne

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