A Separate Cinema: 50 Years of Independent African American Filmmaking
Even before Hollywood became a motion picture-producing powerhouse, a parallel type of movie had begun to develop. From 1910 to 1950 black filmmakers around the country created an independent film industry with movies featuring African American actors tailored to the tastes of African American audiences. For decades these talented artists were overlooked by history. Rediscovered here with beautiful full color reproductions of over 135 movie posters and images, the Separate Cinema comes to life bringing a rich new dimension to the American film industry.
Written by Jeremy Geltzer, a film professor, entertainment lawyer, and author, A Separate Cinema is designed for film lovers and everyone interested in American history, culture, and the African American experience in the 20th Century. A visual feast, the images demonstrate the diverse and historic journey of the black film industry from the earliest days to the development of an alternative studio system.
Chapters profile recently rediscovered black filmmakers such as Bert Williams and prolific pioneers including Oscar Micheaux and Spencer Williams. A Separate Cinema showcases diverse screen talents, from cowboy star Herb Jeffries to singing sensations Ethel Waters and Lena Horne and comedians Pigmeat Markham, Mantan Moreland, and Moms Mabley. The final chapter profiles Academy Award nominated and winning African American talents up to 2015 as well as artists nominated to the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.More information is available at www.Hollywood-Press.com and on Twitter @HollywoodBabel.
