UA News

The symposium, sponsored by the UA Jack and Vivian Hanson Arizona Film Institute and the School of Media Arts, will speak to the historical representation of African Americans in Hollywood films.

During the early to mid-20th century, African American filmmakers produced what came to be known as "race movies," films meant to counter demeaning media representations of the community.

A four-day symposium at the University of Arizona, "In Our Own Voice: African American Film Makers Oscar Micheaux, Spike Lee, and Noland Walker," is devoted to exploring the importance of those films and others produced by contemporary African Americans. 

The symposium, which begins Feb. 3, is co-sponsored by the UA's Jack and Vivian Hanson Arizona Film Institute and the School of Media Arts and is free and open to the public. 

On Feb. 3, Pearl Bowser, a guest film scholar who is an author and consultant specializing in African American cinema, will speak about the representation of race in the media.

"Midnight Ramble: Oscar Micheaux and the Story of Race Movies," which Bowser directed with Bestor Cram, will be screened prior to a discussion with the scholar and producer. the event will be held 4 to 6 p.m. in Room 212 of the Louis Foucar Marshall Building, located at 845 N. Park Ave.

On Feb. 4, Bowser and fellow guest film scholar and author, John Howard, will continue the discussion about other race movies, discussing the work of maverick independent filmmaker, Oscar Micheaux. Howard is a Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at Purchase College of The State University of New York.

Micheaux is considered one of the most prolific African American filmmakers to date.

"Oscar Micheaux continues to be an inspiration to the independent filmmaking community and lovers of landmark cinema," said Vicky Westover, program director of the Hanson Institute.

The event will be held 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the UA School of Music's Holsclaw Hall, 1017 N. Olive Road. And after the discussion, Micheaux's "Body and Soul" will be screened.

"Micheaux worked outside of the system with little funding or support and was not afraid to take on difficult societal issues that continue to resonate with audiences today," Westover said. "His passion and intrepid desire to create work confronting racism and oppression is clearly visible in his distinguished repertoire of films."

On Feb. 5, a presentation, screening and book signing with Howard and Bowser will be held at Gallagher Theater, which is located at the Student Union Memorial Center, 1303 E. University Blvd.

The 4 to 7:30 p.m. event will follow a presentation of "Do The Right Thing," directed by Spike Lee.

Howard has examined the work and lives Micheaux and Lee, and will compare the careers of both.

On Feb. 6, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning documentary filmmaker Noland Walker will present an overview and clips his work:"Citizen King," "Jonestown:  The Life and Death of Peoples Temple" and also "Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story." 

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

Walker's films have premiered at Sundance, screened in festivals worldwide and broadcast nationally on television.

"We are delighted to be showcasing the important work of independent filmmaker Noland Walker," Westover said.  "He is part of a new generation of African American filmmakers and is creating some of the most interesting documentaries of our time."