In Our Own Voice: African American Filmmakers symposium at the University of Arizona

Though a prolific and groundbreaking early African American filmmaker, Oscar Micheaux's name is not well-known beyond academic and film circles. Spike Lee, on the other hand, is one of the most high-profile and outspoken filmmakers of any race in the past twenty-five years. Nevertheless, without the courageous pioneering spirit of Micheaux, Spike Lee and other black filmmakers might never have dreamed of picking up a camera.

Starting Wednesday, February 3rd, the University of Arizona's School of Media Arts and the Hanson Film Institute will be hosting a four-day symposium celebrating the work of these two filmmakers, as well as showcasing award-winning filmmaker Noland Walker. The events will celebrate the enormous creative contributions of Micheaux to early African-American film, as well as the impact his work has had on his heirs in the film industry. Film scholars Pearl Bowser and John Howard will be on hand to share their expertise on Micheaux, Lee and the resounding legacy of Micheaux's so-called "race films."

Like Spike Lee after him, Oscar Micheaux's work confronted topical issues directly tied to the African American experience, but did so during a time in which lynching was still common practice in the United States and segregation was strictly enforced. While Lee's films like Do the Right Thing and Jungle Fever were (and are) still controversial for frankly addressing topics like racism and inter-racial relationships, Oscar Micheaux's work—tackling the same issues—bravely blazed a trail in early twentieth century cinema attempting to counter the degrading stereotypes of African Americans in early film.  Micheaux even helmed a response to D.W. Griffith's racially divisive 1915 epic Birth of a Nation, in the form of his 1920 film The Symbol of the Unconquered.  The filmmaker wrote, produced, directed and distributed his own work, releasing more than 40 films between 1919 and 1948.  In addition to this, he was the self-published author of seven novels.

 
Next week's symposium will offer a number of enticing events for the classic film enthusiast and history buff, including a rare opportunity to see Micheaux's work on the big screen.  On Thursday, February 4th, Micheaux's 1925 film Body and Soul, starring Paul Robeson, will be screened from a 16mm print from the Museum of Modern Art.  There will be live piano accompaniment by Professor Suzanne Knosp of the School of Dance at the University of Arizona.  On Friday, February 5th, lovers of recent film classics will have the opportunity to see Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing projected in 35mm on the big screen of the U of A's Gallagher Theatre.  Rounding out the symposium on Saturday, February 6th, acclaimed documentarian Noland Walker will be on hand to speak about his work.  Walker's films on Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement have been featured on PBS.  Walker himself has been interviewed by Charlie Rose, which can be seen here.

All events are free and open to the public, and provide a singular opportunity to experience the work of a man whom the Directors Guild of America honored with a posthumous directorial award in 1986 and in whose name the Producers Guild of America has established an award honoring "an individual or individuals whose achievements in film and television have been accomplished despite difficult odds.”  On a side note, the United States Postal Service will issue a commemorative stamp of Oscar Micheaux in June of this year.

Wednesday, February 3rd: Screening of the documentary Midnight Ramble: Oscar Micheaux and the Story of Race Movies, plus a discussion with the film's co-director, scholar Pearl Bowser,

4 to 6 p.m. in Room 212 of the Louis Foucar Marshall Building, located at 845 N. Park Ave

Thursday, February 4th: Screening of Oscar Micheaux's Body and Soul, with commentary and discussion by scholars Pearl Bowser and John Howard

4 to 6:30 p.m. at the UA School of Music's Holsclaw Hall, 1017 N. Olive Road.

Friday, February 5th: John Howard and Pearl Bowser will discuss the work of Spike Lee and Oscar Micheaux.  A screening of Lee's groundbreaking 1989 film Do The Right Thing will follow.  The event will conclude with a book signing with Howard and Bowser.

4 to 7:30 p.m  at Gallagher Theater, located at the Student Union Memorial Center, 1303 E. University Blvd.

Saturday, February 6th: Emmy and Peabody award-winning documentarian Noland Walker will discuss and screen clips of his films.

4 to 6 p.m. in Room 202 of the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Building, 1130 N. Mountain Ave.

See more info and a short video clip of Midnight Ramble here.