Episode 15: Oscar Micheaux

Today we'll be speaking on the life and death of the great director Oscar Micheaux.

Born in 1884 in Metropolis, Illinois, Oscar Micheaux went on to become one of the most important figures in early African American cinema. He directed over 40 films throughout his career, many of which were groundbreaking in their portrayal of African American life and culture.

Despite facing racism and discrimination throughout his life, Micheaux persevered and became a pioneer of independent cinema. He founded his own film company, the Micheaux Film Corporation, and used it to create films that were often rejected by mainstream Hollywood studios. His films tackled controversial topics such as interracial relationships and lynching and showcased the lives and struggles of African Americans in a way that had never been seen before.

In this podcast episode, we'll explore Micheaux's early life, his journey to becoming a filmmaker, and the impact his films had on African American representation in cinema. We'll also discuss the challenges he faced as an independent filmmaker and the legacy he left behind.

Sadly, Micheaux passed away in 1951, but his influence on cinema can still be felt today. Join us as we dive into the life and death of this great director and celebrate his contributions to the art of filmmaking.

Key Talking Points of the Episode: 

[00:53] Who is Oscar Micheaux and what role did he plan in black history? 

[02:17] Oscar working as a homesteader in South Dakota 

[05:25] Understanding the Jim Crow Era 

[07:29] How Micheaux  designed his films to reach beyond the limitations 

[10:23] Oscar's return after a long pause 

[12:01] Oscar's impact on Society