Truth First Film Alliance pays tribute to legendary Black Filmmaker Oscar Micheaux


Thank you to everyone who came out to Truth First Film Alliance's special film tribute to legendary Black filmmaker Oscar Micheaux at the fabulous Last Picture House on Sunday, March 22nd. It was a memorable afternoon of film, screening OSCAR MICHEAUX: THE SUPERHERO OF BLACK FILMMAKING and Micheaux's rare 1920 feature-length silent movie WITHIN OUR GATES--his response to DW Griffith's BIRTH OF A NATION. The event presented a remarkable opportunity to see his work on the big screen as it was meant to be seen.

It was 142 years ago today, March 25th, that he died at age 67. He left us with 44 films that truly challenged racial injustice and stereotyping, and created a crucial counter-narrative for Black audiences. It is nice to have mythical superheroes. But it's the real superheroes among us--like Micheaux--who inspire us to be better and do better and change for the better.

Our thanks to historian Jordan Bell for participating in our virtual Q&A. And, our sincere gratitude to The Last Picture House, and to our sponsors Azubuike African American Council for the Arts, Friends of MLK, the Rock Island County NAACP, the QCA Film Office, and the NW Northwest Illinois Film Office. TruthFirstFilmAlliance.org

TFFA Board Members Dianne Prichard and Secretary Melinda Carriker help Tammy Rundle get set-up.
TFFA Board Members Theresa Bryant and Travis Shepherd chat with Tammy Rundle as guests arrive.
TFFA Board President Lora Adams welcomes the crowd, and board member Theresa Bryant introduces the film.

Historian Jordan Bell did a virtual Q&A from Roanoke, VA after the film.

Oscar Micheaux's 1920 "Within Our Gates" screened after the documentary.

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