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

Synopsis

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.

Main Cast

Lawrence Varnado

Narrator

Age : 60 | Popularity : 3%

Herb Jeffries

Himself

Age : 100 | Popularity : 3%

Ruby Dee

Herself

Age : 91 | Popularity : 4%

Jeni Le Gon

Herself

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Leroy Collins

Himself

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Pearl Bowser

Herself

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Directing	Director	Brad Osborne
Writing	Writer	Brad Osborne
Department	Role	Name

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