Oscar Micheaux's Sylvia fights to save a school for poor children, facing racism & a shocking past.

Produced, written, and directed by Oscar Micheaux, a pioneering Black filmmaker, Within Our Gates (1920) tackles themes of racial injustice and the Black experience in America during the early 20th century. This subject matter itself was highly unconventional for the time, challenging the dominant white narratives of Hollywood.

Within Our Gates employs melodrama to address serious issues. The plot follows Sylvia Landry, a young Black woman, navigating the racial divide between the North and South. Flashbacks and dramatic confrontations expose the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, and the struggles for education and equality.

Micheaux's independent production also stands as a testament to experimentation. He financed the film himself and relied on a largely non-professional cast. This resulted in a raw and authentic energy, distinct from the polished studio films of the era.

Within Our Gates legacy lies in its groundbreaking content and its role in paving the way for future Black filmmakers. It challenged the status quo not only in its subject matter but also in its production, becoming a significant piece of American cinematic history.