Director Revives Historic Lincoln Motion Picture Company
The pioneering Black-owned studio returns with a new short film for the Black Harvest Film Festival in Chicago.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Urban
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Director Brennan DuBose has revived the Lincoln Motion Picture Company, the first Black-owned film production company in U.S. history. The company is set to debut its first new project, a short film titled The Barber, at Chicago’s Black Harvest Film Festival.
Why it matters
The company aims to challenge Hollywood stereotypes by showcasing the depth and range of Black human experiences. This revival continues a legacy that began in 1916 as a direct response to the impact of the 1915 film The Birth of a Nation.
Founded in 1916, the company holds a 110-year legacy, having previously produced notable works like The Law of Nature and By Right of Birth.
The players
Brennan DuBose
He is the director leading the revival of the historic Lincoln Motion Picture Company.
Lincoln Motion Picture Company
It was the first Black-owned film production company in the United States, established in 1916 to counter mainstream cinematic portrayals.
The details
The production team for the revived studio integrates research partnerships with academic institutions, including members who hold doctoral degrees. The company plans to expand its presence further by entering three additional short films into the festival circuit in 2027.
Timeline
1915: The Birth of a Nation was released.
1916: The Lincoln Motion Picture Company was founded.
1921: By Right of Birth was released.
2027: The company plans to enter three films into festival circuits.
Industry Dynamics
The Lincoln Motion Picture Company revival was created as a direct counter-narrative to The Birth of a Nation. This move reflects a broader trend of reclaiming historical production legacies to reshape modern cinematic representation and address long-standing gaps in Hollywood.
Chicago audiences can engage with the studio's new work by attending the premiere of The Barber at the Black Harvest Film Festival. This screening offers a rare opportunity to witness the latest efforts from a historically significant production house.
The takeaway
The revival of this studio highlights the importance of institutional memory in film production. Viewers looking to support diverse storytelling should watch for the upcoming festival entries expected in 2027.
What happens next
The company is scheduled to enter three additional short films into the film festival circuit in 2027.
Further reading
Explore the history of independent filmmaking in our Urban section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Root.
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