Page "Oscar Micheaux" Paragraph 9

Instead, Micheaux founded the Micheaux Film and Book Company of Sioux City and Chicago ; its first project was the production of The Homesteader as a feature film.

Micheaux had a major career as a film producer and director: he produced over 40 films, which drew audiences throughout the US as well as internationally.

Micheaux contacted wealthy white connections from his earlier career as a porter, and sold stock for his company at $ 75 to $ 100 a share.

Micheaux hired actors and actresses and decided to premiere as Chicago was celebrating the return of troops from World War I.

The film and Micheaux received high praise from film critics.

One article credited Micheaux with “ a historic breakthrough, a creditable, dignified achievement ”.

Some members of the Chicago clergy criticized the film as libelous.

The Homesteader became widely known as Micheaux ’ s breakout film ; it helped him become widely known as a writer and a filmmaker.