ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, March 13, 1997 TAG: 9703130025
SECTION: QUICK LOOK PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
In 1923, a pioneer black filmmaker, made a movie at a home on Roanoke's Gilmer Avenue, not far from today's Dumas Hotel Music Center on Henry Street. The film was rejected by Virginia censors and never shown here or anywhere else in the state.
The first African American Film Festival, Sunday at The Jefferson Center in Roanoke, can't include this film. It's been impossible to find a copy. But a 1932 remake of it, done by Micheaux in Chicago, will be screened - along with a movie about his life and work, and another film by an Ethiopian filmmaker.
The festival has entertainment and guest speakers, including civil rights lawyer Oliver Hill, who appeared in Micheaux's Roanoke film.
The event continues from 1:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at 541 Luck Ave. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture (345-4818), the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge (342-5790) and at the door. To find out more, call 342-9950 or 344-4734.
LENGTH: Short : 28 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Oscar Micheaux's remake of his 1923 Roanoke film will beby CNBshown Sunday.