Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898-1971

Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971 explores the rich history of Black participation in US cinema from its beginnings to just beyond the civil rights movement. Inspired by and named after an independent all-Black-cast movie from 1923, Regeneration seeks to revive lost or forgotten films, filmmakers, and performers for a contemporary audience.

Moviemaking has always been instrumental in shaping culture more broadly, and Black artists and entrepreneurs have been involved from the start despite racism and prejudices that limited their opportunities. Black actors, at times, turned stereotypical roles that did not represent their full humanity into three-dimensional characters, while Black directors who were left out of the mainstream system created their own independent production companies.

Later, particularly after World War II, opportunities for Black filmmakers in Hollywood expanded as segregation slowly unraveled. By examining Black participation in film over a 70-year period, Regeneration showcases the long-standing relationship between film and Black visual culture. It highlights the agency many artists asserted in their respective crafts despite challenges, revealing their tenacity, immense talent, and unwavering commitment to creative expression.