Throughout the storied history of American movies, there have been quite a few black filmmakers that have shaped society through their art and left an indelible mark on our lives. From pioneers like directors Ossie Davis, Melvin Van Peebles to modern day movie makers Kasi Lemmons and Tyler Perry, these filmmakers have produced some of our favorite films, while changing the face of cinema. BlackVoices.com takes a look at 30 game changers through the years.*
Check out some of the highlights:
Oscar Micheaux: Can't forget about him, he basically set the game up for such great as Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, and many more. Micheaux formed his own movie production company and, in 1919, became the first African American to make a film.
Ossie Davis: As a pioneer in the film business and a legend in the African American community, Davis was an actor, director, poet, playwright, writer and social activist whose career spanned nearly 50 years.
Melvin Van Peebles: Most famously known for his contribution to the blaxploitation era with the independently financed and critically acclaimed film Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song.
Bill Duke: Known for his imposing 6-foot-6-inch figure and action films such as 1987's Predator, Cover, Hoodlum, etc.
Kasi Lemmons: Made her directorial debut in 1997 with the critically acclaimed Eve's Bayou, which starred Samuel L. Jackson and Lynn Whitfield.
Gina Price-Bythewood: Starting her career as a writer for 'A Different World' and 'Felicity,' Prince-Bythewood directed two urban romantic films in 2000: Love and Basketball and Disappearing Acts.
Tyler Perry: No other African American filmmaker has made an impact in the film business this decade like Perry. Perry's films have grossed close to $500 million in five years.
For the complete list check out Black Filmmakers Through the Years
*Courtesy of BlackVoices.com
No comments:
Post a Comment