"Race films" were a genre of movies produced primarily for African American audiences from the 1910s to the 1950s. These films often featured Black actors and addressed themes relevant to the African American experience, including social issues, cultural identity, and community life. They were made outside of the mainstream Hollywood system, often by independent Black filmmakers. The genre gained popularity during the era of segregation, providing representation and entertainment for Black audiences who were largely excluded from mainstream cinema. Notable examples include films like Within Our Gates and The Birth of a Nation, which, despite its controversial content, sparked discussions about race and representation in film.