The Department of Afro American Research, Arts and Culture

Between 1955 and 1969, the number of African American films made by Black filmmakers in the United States decreased. We know this period as the Civil Rights Era of Black Cinema. The Civil Rights Era of Black Cinema does not mean that the movies made were about Black civil rights. The era refers to a time in American history when equality and the push to end segregation became priorities in the U.S. The Civil Rights era of Black Cinema represents the period, not the content of the films. The late 50s were seeing the final stages of Race Films, so this was a transition period for Black actors, writers, and directors. Part of this transition period was that the Black exploitation factor became more prominent in films in the 1960s, especially in the late 60s. There were not many movies made during this period with Black actors as leads or featuring an all-Black cast.

Nevertheless, the Civil Rights Era of Black Cinema paved the way for the new surge of films that was to become the Blaxploitation Era of the 1970s. The 1960s were a unique era marked by films that pushed Black Male/Female love interests to the forefront, challenging the status quo of White male dominance. This type of filmmaking was considered to be 'edgy' in cinema. The 1960s were also the decade of Jazzploitation. But for the most part, Sidney Poitier was the face of Black cinema during the Civil Rights Era.

The Civil Rights Era of Black Cinema is a very delicate period. The rarity of some of these films makes seeking them out worthwhile.