Meet Filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, First Major Black Filmmaker #BlackHistoryMonth

Oscar Micheaux (1884-1951) was an African American novelist and filmmaker who wrote, directed, and produced 44 films during his career and is regarded as one of the most prominent independent filmmakers of his time^[1]. His work was well-received by audiences in the U.S. and internationally, and significant in providing a counter-narrative to the racist portrayals of African Americans in mainstream cinema. Micheaux’s films often addressed issues of race and identity, and he is considered a pioneering figure in early African American cinema.

The Homesteader (1919)

The Homesteader is considered to be the first full-length film by a Black director. The Homesteader, a silent black-and-white film, was a commercial success, grossing over $5,000.^[2] In 2024, that equates to about $93,000. The film was made for a Black audience, with a black cast and crew, designating it as a race film. Race films were made from 1915 to the early 1950s by Black filmmakers for Black audiences and made outside of the Hollywood studio system.^[3]

Unfortunately, the film is considered a lost film, as there is no copy of the film at the Library of Congress.

Within Our Gates (1920)

His second feature film Within Our Gates was also based on his own novel, and many see it as a rebuke to D.W. Griffith’s Birth of a Nation.^[6]

Literary Contribution

In addition to his film work, Micheaux wrote seven novels, with “The Homesteader” (1917) becoming a national bestseller.^[4] Many of his novels were considered to be autobiographical, telling the story of a young Black man living in rural, white South Dakota. ^[5]

Legacy and Honors

Micheaux’s work has been honored posthumously by various organizations, including the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America. He was also recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987^[5]

Oscar Micheaux: The First Black Indie Filmmaker

Frame by Frame: Oscar Micheaux