Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898-1971

The book highlights the overlooked yet vibrant history of Black participation in American film, from the beginning of cinema through the civil rights movement. It features an in-depth curatorial essay and scholarly case-study texts on topics such as early Black independent filmmaking, Black spectatorship during the Jim Crow era, and home movies as an essential form of Black self-representation. It also makes meaningful connections to the present through interviews with award-winning contemporary Black filmmakers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2022
Publisher: Distributed Art Publishers

From the early days of cinema to the civil rights movement, black filmmakers have played a significant role in shaping American film. Black actors, producers, and directors such as Bert Williams, Oscar Micheaux, Herb Jeffries, Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, Ruby Dee, and William Greaves have had a profound and lasting impact on the industry. These artists not only created an enduring independent tradition but also transformed mainstream Hollywood, fueled and reflected sociopolitical movements, captured the rich complexity of black experience, and influenced generations to come.

Despite its significance, the history of black cinema and its legacy is often overlooked. To address this, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is hosting a groundbreaking exhibition titled "Regeneration," which explores seven decades of black participation in American cinema. The book accompanying the exhibition delves into this underrepresented history in vivid detail, featuring an in-depth curatorial essay and scholarly case-study texts on topics such as early black independent filmmaking, black spectatorship during the Jim Crow era, and home movies as a vital form of black self-representation.

The volume also makes meaningful connections to the present through interviews with award-winning contemporary black filmmakers such as Charles Burnett, Julie Dash, Ava DuVernay, Barry Jenkins, and Dawn Porter. An extensive filmography and chronology provide valuable resources for anyone interested in black cinema, while images of contemporary visual artworks further enhance the volume throughout.

In conclusion, the history of black cinema and its legacy is a rich and complex tapestry that deserves to be celebrated and explored. Through exhibitions like "Regeneration" and publications like the accompanying book, we can better understand the contributions of black filmmakers and performers to American cinema and their lasting impact on society.

Weight: 1960g
Dimension: 312 x 234 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636810515