Exhibitions
Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971

Past Exhibitions

Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971

August 21, 2022–July 16, 2023

L4

About the Exhibition

Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971 explores the rich history of Black participation in US cinema from its beginnings to just beyond the civil rights movement. Inspired by and named after an independent all-Black-cast movie from 1923, Regeneration seeks to revive lost or forgotten films, filmmakers, and performers for a contemporary audience.

Moviemaking has always been instrumental in shaping culture, and Black artists and entrepreneurs have been involved from the start despite racism and prejudices that limited their opportunities. By examining Black participation in film over a 70-year period, Regeneration showcases the long-standing relationship between film and Black visual culture. It highlights the agency many artists asserted in their respective crafts despite challenges, revealing their tenacity, immense talent, and unwavering commitment to creative expression.

Microsite

Ready to dive deeper?
The Regeneration microsite is the show's permanent digital home. In addition to original articles, essays, and curricular materials, the site offers introductory excerpts of the exhibition's print catalogue and an interactive database capturing the films, filmmakers, and production companies examined in the show.

Exhibition Catalogue

Explore the Book

The Regeneration exhibition catalogue amplifies the underrepresented history of Black film in colorful and striking detail. The book features an in-depth curatorial essay, scholarly case-studies, an extensive filmography and chronology, and interviews with award-winning contemporary Black filmmakers Charles Burnett, Julie Dash, Ava DuVernay, Barry Jenkins and Dawn Porter.
Film still from William Selig's Something Good – Negro Kiss (1898), with Saint Suttle and Gertie Brown. Courtesy of USC HMH Foundation Moving Image Archive
The Nicholas Brothers in a scene from Stormy Weather, 1943, from left, Fayard Nicholas and Harold Nicholas. Photographic print, gelatin silver. Courtesy Margaret Herrick Library, ©Twentieth Century Fox
Portrait of Josephine Baker. Photo by adoc--photos/Corbis via Getty Images
Carmen Jones costume design (Carmen, Change #1), Costume design: Mary Ann Nyberg, c. 1954, courtesy Cinémathèque Française
Photo of Melvin Van Peebles, 1971. Photo by Pix/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.
Film still from William Selig's Something Good – Negro Kiss (1898), with Saint Suttle and Gertie Brown. Courtesy of USC HMH Foundation Moving Image Archive

Supported By

Regeneration was the recipient of the 2018 Sotheby’s Prize. The Sotheby’s Prize was founded to support and encourage museums to break new ground by recognizing curatorial excellence and facilitating an upcoming exhibition that explores overlooked or underrepresented art history. The Sotheby’s Prize was awarded by a jury of museum curators and directors comprising Sir Nicholas Serota, Donna De Salvo, Okwui Enwezor (1963–2019), Connie Butler, Emilie Gordenker, and chaired by Allan Schwartzman.

Regeneration was made possible in part by major grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Technology solutions generously provided by Christie®. Lead support provided by Campari® and J. P. Morgan Private Bank. Generous support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, and Octavia Spencer. Academy Museum Digital Engagement Platform sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Top image: Installation view of Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, photo by Joshua White, JW Pictures/©Academy Museum Foundation.