Oscar Micheaux’s groundbreaking silent drama Within Our Gates is the oldest surviving feature film by an African American director and a landmark in American cinema. Created as a response to The Birth of a Nation, the film follows Sylvia Landry, a young Black teacher traveling North to raise funds for a Southern school while confronting racism, injustice, and the painful legacy of the past. Through its bold storytelling and powerful social commentary, Micheaux challenged the racial stereotypes of his era and opened new possibilities for independent Black filmmaking. Accompanied by expressive silent-era performances, Within Our Gates remains an essential work of film history and a compelling portrait of resilience, education, and the fight for equality.

Time: 6:00-8:00 pm EDT

Free!