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Until now, the American Academy of Motion Pictures, has failed to accept the importance of African Americans in film.

However, a new exhibition focuses on Black people in cinema and covers the beginning of the industry in the 1890s, up until 1971.

One speaker at the opening was film director, Ava DuVernay.

She understood that for many, the exhibition contents would be a surprise.

The exhibition, called "Regeneration", has helped discover some original film clips of Black actors.

These clips include actors in key roles, which weren't typical of the time.

Historically, Black actors were just given parts such as thieves, fools, cleaners or cooks.

Visitors to the exhibition can watch Hattie McDaniel accepting the Oscar award for her acting in "Gone with the Wind".

However, at the ceremony the actor sat apart, in a section for Black people.

Earlier, she'd had to miss the film's opening night, as it took place in a "Whites only" cinema.

The exhibition would like to open people's eyes to the place of African Americans in the film industry.

And it's likely to greatly encourage Black filmmakers in their work today.

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