This essay is going to cover Oscar Micheaux, known as the first major African American filmmaker, and his struggles with racism in his era. He wrote novels and soon transformed them into movies, starting his own film company, “Micheaux Film and Book Company.” Being black in the early 1900s, there were many challenges to overcome while making a film, like budget, actors, sets, and more. His films, starring a solely black cast, were revolutionary for his time. He cast young African American actors to give them a chance in the spotlight, playing distinguished and complex characters, unlike the demeaning, small roles they would be offered by mainstream Hollywood. He used his films as a platform to preach his thoughts to the masses. He was an inspiration to all suppressed communities and paved the way for future independent film directors. I want my project to inform the public about Oscar Micheaux and the work he did that wasn't appreciated.