Separate Cinema: The First 100 Years of Black Poster Art - by John Kisch & Tony Nourmand (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A visual feast, these images recount the diverse and historic journey of the black film industry from the earliest days of Hollywood to present day. Accompanied by insightful accompanying text, a foreword by black history authority and renowned academic Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and an afterword by acclaimed film director Spike Lee. Part aesthetic, part nostalgic, the posters have meaning to young and old alike, and possess the power to transcend ethnicity. From early independents to 12 Years a Slave, these posters represent a journey: they remind people of the pioneers of the past, those courageous and daring African-American filmmakers, entertainers and artists whose dreams and struggles paved the way for future generations. The wealth of imagery on these pages is taken from The Separate Cinema Archive, maintained by archive director John Kisch. The most extensive private holdings of African-American film memorabilia in the world, it contains over 35,000 authentic movie posters and photographs from over 30 countries."--Publisher's description.

Book Synopsis

A visual feast, these images recount the diverse and historic journey of the Black film industry from the earliest days of Hollywood to the present day

This magnificent volume is a celebration of the first 100 years of black film poster art. A visual feast, these images recount the diverse and historic journey of the black film industry from the earliest days of Hollywood to the present day, accompanied by insightful accompanying text, a foreword by black history authority and renowned academic Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and an afterword by Hollywood director Spike Lee. These posters have meaning for young and old alike, and possess the power to transcend ethnicity. They capture the spirit and energy of an earlier time, reminding people of the pioneers of the past, those courageous and daring African American filmmakers, entertainers and artists whose dreams and struggles paved the way for future generations. The wealth of imagery on these pages is taken from the Separate Cinema Archive, maintained by archive director John Kisch. The most extensive private holdings of African-American film memorabilia in the world, it contains over 35,000 authentic movie posters and photographs from over 30 countries. This stunning coffee table book represents some of the archive's greatest highlights.

Review Quotes

One of the most beautiful and historically significant books of the year, culled from Kisch's vast archive of posters commemorating the films - from the silents through blaxploitation to right now - made for and marketed to black audiences. With a foreword by Henry Louis Gates and an afterword by Spike Lee, the text is substantive, but the dazzling visuals are what speak volumes about the pain, pride, and passion of a race often exiled from, or marginalized by, the mainstream (read "white") movie industry.--Steven Rea "The Philadelphia Inquirer, December 8, 2014 "

A striking homage to the graphic design aesthetic of yesteryear, the series of pop artworks more importantly outlines the way the film industry has portrayed black actors and characters for over a century.--Katherine Brooks "Huffington Post, October 9th, 2014 "

This opulent volume brings a hidden gem of a film archive to four-color glory. The Rhinebeck-based Separate Cinema Archive, the largest private collection of African-American film memorabilia in the world, includes over 35,000 movie posters and photographs. Here's the best of it, from Uncle Tom's Cabin to The Butler, Al Jolson to Blaxploitation, Dorothy Dandridge to Oprah, B movies to blockbusters. With a foreword by Henry Louis Gates and an afterword by Spike Lee, it's a hefty revelation.--Jana Martin "Chronogram, December 1st, 2014 "

It will be a must for film poster collectors and film historians specializing in black film and in need of visual documentation.--Jan-Christopher Horak, UCLA Film & Television Archive "January 2, 2015 "

The book is a fascinating look at cinematic and cultural history, and accompanying text provides an informative look at the evolution of cinema... as well as some shocking and unsettling posters, the book includes a rare glimpse of some beautiful examples of graphic art.--Rachel Steven, Creative Review "September 24, 2014 "