The mission of The Department of Afro-American Research Arts and Culture to identify the global significance of the creative contributions pioneered by an international diaspora of Blackness
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Race Films

 Race Film Era
(1915 - 1955)

Race Films (also known as Black Independent Films) were films made for Black audiences between 1915 and 1955. Leading pioneers of the start of this era include Oscar Micheaux, Nobel Johnson, Reol Productions, and Norman Film Manufacturing. The race film era is the longest-lasting era of Black Cinema.

The Race film era produced around 500 films. Of these, fewer than one hundred remains. Race films found its demand outside the Hollywood studio system, which now they have been largely forgotten by mainstream film historians. The popularity of Race films excelled throughout the African-American community. Their influence continued in Black Cinema well into the 50s, 60s, and 70s, with many of the actors making cameo appearances in many Hollywood films.

The Race film era was a classy time for Black actors. Hollywood chose Black actors to play stereotypical roles such as butlers and maids, but Race films portrayed Black actors with non-stereotypical characteristics. That was important for the image of African-Americans because of how society can define a group of people on false perceptions.  

 

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