Toms, Coons, Mulattos, Mammies & Bucks, is not only the title of a book written by Donald Bogle — one of the country’s leading experts in American popular culture — it is a summary of the roles that depicted the “so-called” realism of the African American. These were the only roles that the masses of moviegoers saw on the big screen for more that one half of the 20th Century. One can only imagine the impact of these negative images that permeated throughout American culture and were further foster throughout many parts of the world, especially in Europe.

Sadly, seasoned talented African American actors were relegated to play these roles in the movies if they wanted to work and provide for their families. With few exceptions, there was a void in the true depiction of black life in the United States on the motion picture screen. Thanks to the early efforts of the courageous African American producer, writer and director Oscar Micheaux in the 1930s, few in any movie producers, did little or nothing realistically to peel away at the complex layers that fairly depicted black people and their lives. Micheaux, born in Illinois in 1884 began his professional career as a novelist, later enthusiasm for making movies carried him from South Dakota to Chicago and New York. He work, directed and produced from 30–40 films. His last film was promoted as “the greatest Negro photoplay of all times.”

In 1986 the independent movie movement explodes and the talented, writer, producer, actor, director Spike Lee made a major commercial success with the debut feature, “She’s got to have it” — shot in 12 days in Brooklyn, with a cast of unknowns and with a budget of 175,000. This commercially successful movie helped to open the floodgates for the independent film movement in general and opened the well-spring of imagination for the young black filmmaker in particular.

It is this independent spirit of the filmmaker that gives way for the advent of the Black Cinema Showcase (BCS) and the zeal of those men and women who in the 21st century have the where-with-all to tell the truth and the myths of the black experience from the perspective.

The mission is to test-screen and showcase independent films written, produced and/or directed by persons of African descent. Theses films offer fresh, creative perspectives and go beyond the stereotypical portrayals of African Americans and other cultures within the African Diaspora.

The filmmaker, the producer, and/or director are often present for each event and will have an opportunity to discuss their work with the live audience. The audiences are mature, adult African-American moviegoers who have been invited, free of charge, to participate in this process.

Before these films are presented to major motion picture studio producers for consideration, are being reviewed during this process with the intent of giving the filmmakers the audience’s perspective and guides them into making more informed decisions about their work in progress. We believe this kind of constructive criticism is good for the audience and even better for writers, directors, and producers who may want to genuinely want to fine tune their products before they are packaged and presented to a broader market. Further, it is the goal of the audience at the Newark Black Cinema to ensure that the Black experience is depicted in an authentic manner.

Newark Screens has credited the Black Cinema Showcase with increasing their audience attendance by 15% in general. Our track record for having produced quality screenings for the last four years along with the staff and volunteer support to handle promotions and retrievals of the film evaluation surveys has created a guaranteed win-win program for all. Ultimately, the greatest winners is the American viewing public by having the choice to see more independent African American filmmakers projects succeed in Hollywood. Produced by Alfred Bundy and Bundy Production in conjunction with Honorable Dana Rone. For more information, call 973-675-2115.