Filmmaker Revives Historic Black-Owned Film Company

In 1916, brothers Noble and George P. Johnson made history by founding America’s first Black-owned film production company, the Lincoln Motion Picture Company. At a time when Black people were largely misrepresented or mocked on screen, they created a vital space for positive portrayals. Now, 110 years later, filmmaker Brennan DuBose is reviving this groundbreaking legacy.

From Finance to Film: A Passion for Storytelling

DuBose, originally from Maryland and a Howard University graduate, brings a unique blend of social impact investing, finance, art, and history to his work. He was inspired by his time at Howard, a university that validated his dreams and provided a crucial reference point of successful Black filmmakers. “When you go to Howard, you can’t help but be inspired. History is everywhere on that campus,” DuBose shared.

This inspiration led him to the Lincoln Motion Picture Company. DuBose recognized the company’s dual historical significance: not only was it the first Black-owned production company, but also the first independent one in America. “The Lincoln Motion Picture Company, the original one, was all about telling positive Black stories. It was about sharing stories that kind of combated negative stereotypes,” he explained.

Reinventing a Legacy with Innovation

DuBose’s vision for the revived Lincoln Motion Picture Company goes beyond simply retelling positive Black stories. He aims to share relatable human narratives while embracing innovation. “We are a very innovative company. We are 50% research lab and 50% film production company. We’re leveraging both qualitative and quantitative research and data to really kind of shape and hone in on our storytelling,” he stated.

He plans to incorporate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, into the company’s operations, a concept unimaginable to the original founders. This forward-thinking approach mirrors the Johnson brothers’ original pioneering spirit. “The original founders of the Lincoln Motion Picture Company were innovators. They really kind of stepped into their own lane and walked down it. And I think that’s kind of what we’re doing or trying to do with Lincoln Motion today, really kind of create our own lane.”

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, DuBose highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black cinema to the American narrative. He believes “Black history is American history” and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the past while actively shaping the future. Witnessing recent successes, like “Sinners” and Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar win, inspires him and reinforces his belief in the growing recognition of Black creatives.

DuBose is currently developing several projects, including a short film titled “The Barber,” more shorts, a documentary on a sports legend, and his first feature film. His focus is on amplifying everyday stories that often go untold by mainstream media, continuing the Lincoln Motion Picture Company’s mission of authentic representation.