African American Silent Film

Micheaux was so important in film history because he tackled many controversial issues like lynching, interracial relationships, and most importantly racism, which he examined in D.W. Griffith's Birth of a Nation. Although he came from a modest background, Oscar Micheaux started as a writer and he raised enough money to start his own production company. He usually worked with marginal budgets, and he was known for taking on all aspects of production, including releasing his films out of the back of his car. Some of his achievements include being the first African-American to have his work shown in "white" theaters, as well as the first filmmaker to direct a talkie. His films were based on portraying real people with everyday concerns, instead of just stereotyping certain characters. During the time period, his achievements were so significant because cinema was dominated by white ideals and values, and his films were unique in giving a voice to those who were marginalized.