BLOG QUESTION: AFRICAN AMERICAN'S IN SILENT FILM

Why was Micheaux so important in film history? What was so significant about his achievements considering the period?

Micheaux is an important African-American filmmaker who wrote, produced and directed 44 features. His films tackled controversial issues such as the racism of  Birth of a Nation, and he was the first African-American filmmaker to have his work shown in "white" theaters. Micheaux also has was the first African-American filmmaker to direct a "talkie," and movies in the "race film" genre. This genre portrayed characters who weren't stereotypes, but real people with regular concerns. Despite his contributions, figures of the "Harlem Renaissance" generation didn’t give him as much recognition. They looked down on Micheaux because he wasn't middle class or educated. However, he is now considered a pioneer in the history of African-American film.