WICHITA — Wichita Art Museum will celebrate filmmaker Oscar Micheaux with an event at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25.
While celebrating Kansas native Gordon Parks, WAM partners with Tallgrass Film Association to present films by and about Micheaux (1884-1951), best selling novelist and the first major, African American feature filmmaker. Given the racism of his times, Micheaux’s courage and accomplishments are extraordinary, including being the first black film director to have his films screened in “white” movie theaters. The 2014 bio-pic “Czar of Black Hollywood” narrates Micheaux’s exceptional career.
It will be followed by Micheaux’s digitally remastered and groundbreaking 1925 silent film “Body and Soul,” starring the charismatic Paul Robeson in his motion-picture debut. Join Tallgrass staff and guests in conversation and Q&A after the films. Galleries remain open before screening.
The Muse Cafe will be offering $5 box dinners, plus cookies and popcorn, for attendees to purchase and enjoy before and during the screening along with a cash bar.