Pioneers of African-American Cinema

Events, Past Events

A little-known chapter of film history, the “race film” – funded, written, produced, directed, distributed, and often exhibited by people of color – flourished from the 1920s into the 1940s. Previously circulated only in poor-quality 16mm prints, these newly restored versions allow us to witness the legacies of Oscar Micheaux, Spencer Williams, and other African-American innovators with fresh eyes.

Pioneers of African-American Cinema is a Kickstarter-funded project, curated by Charles Musser and Jacqueline Stewart. Executive producer, Paul D. Miller (aka DJ Spooky). Produced by Bret Wood for Kino Lorber, Inc. Special thanks to the G. William Jones Film and Video Collection of SMU and The Library of Congress.

Films in This Series

  • The Blood of Jesus & Hell-Bound Train (Sunday, February 14, 2016)
  • Within Our Gates (Monday, February 15, 2016)
  • Birthright (Sunday, March 6, 2016)
  • Dirty Gertie from Harlem (Monday, March 7, 2016)