Colorizing the Race Film Era

As of late, I have been spending time researching and discovering Black Independent films from the 20s, 30s and 40s. The Race Film movie list is steadily growing, but the unfortunate truth is that many of these films are missing or destroyed. I have been captivated by some of the aesthetics from these films. Showing African-American culture and perspective from Chicago, Harlem, Atlanta and many more cities across the United States; these films represent imagery in a time when African-Americans had to find their way in cinematography within an oppressed society. Nevertheless, here are some photos that I have colorized from the Race Film Era.

  Ethel Moses and Carmen Newsome, Birthright (1938)

Lawrence Chenault, Body & Soul (1925)

Tressie Mitchell, Ten Minutes To Live (1932)

 Lena Horne and Bill Robinson, Stormy Weather (1943)

Kathryn Boyd, The Flying Ace (1926)

Francine Everett, Dirty Gertie From Harelm U.S.A. (1946)

William Clayton Jr. and Edgar Moore, Ten Nights in a Barroom (1926)

 Fredi Washington, Imitations of Life (1934)

 Starr Calloway, The Girl From Chicago (1932)

 

Willor Lee Guilford, Ten Minutes To Live (1932) 

 Lorenzo Tucker, Veiled Aristocrats (1932)

 Lena Horne, Stormy Weather (1943)

 Cathryn Caviness, The Blood of Jesus (1941)

Evelyn Preer, The Homesteader (1919)