How Brennan DuBose Is Reviving America’s First Black-Owned Film Company

“We always knew that Black cinema was valuable,” says Brennan DuBose, who is working to revive a legacy more than a century in the making.

In 1916, Noble and George P. Johnson founded the Lincoln Motion Picture Company—the first Black-owned film production company in the United States. At a time when Black people were often misrepresented on screen, their work created space for authentic storytelling. Today, DuBose is bringing that legacy into a new era.

A Modern Filmmaker with a Historic Mission

DuBose, originally from Prince George’s County, Maryland, spent over a decade in New York before relocating to the Washington, D.C. area to pursue his creative ambitions.

With a background in social impact investing and finance, he has built a career that merges storytelling with strategy.

“I decided to embark on an entrepreneurial path, cultivating what I believe will shape my future and hopefully impact others as well,” DuBose shared.

The Legacy of Lincoln Motion Picture Company

The Johnson brothers launched the Lincoln Motion Picture Company without prior film experience, driven by the need to portray Black life with dignity and authenticity.

They created films that countered harmful stereotypes and centered positive Black narratives—an approach that was groundbreaking for its time.

“It was the first Black-owned and independent production company in America,” DuBose explained.

Howard University’s Influence

A graduate of Howard University, DuBose credits the institution with shaping his identity as a storyteller.

“Howard inspired me. The campus is steeped in history, and the alumni have made significant impacts. It taught me that my dreams were valid.”

The university’s legacy of producing influential Black creatives continues to inform his work.

Reimagining Black Storytelling

DuBose’s vision for the modern Lincoln Motion Picture Company goes beyond preservation—it’s about reinvention.

He aims to tell authentic, relatable stories that reflect the breadth of Black experiences while resonating with broader audiences.

“Filmmakers focusing on Black narratives must ensure authenticity and meaningful storytelling,” he said.

His approach combines creative storytelling with data-driven insights, using both qualitative and quantitative research to refine narratives.

Innovation Meets Tradition

DuBose is also incorporating advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, into the filmmaking process to enhance research and storytelling.

This blend of innovation and historical awareness allows him to honor the Johnson brothers’ legacy while pushing the industry forward.

A New Era for Black Cinema

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, DuBose sees an opportunity to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of Black filmmakers.

“Black history is American history. While it’s important to understand our past, we must also look forward and assess what has truly changed.”

Moments like recent award wins for Black actors and filmmakers continue to inspire his work.

What’s Next

DuBose is currently developing multiple projects, including a short film titled The Barber, a documentary focused on a sports legend, and his first feature-length film.

“What are the everyday stories that resonate and should be amplified? That’s my focus right now.”

Continuing the Legacy

More than a century after its founding, the Lincoln Motion Picture Company remains a symbol of Black creative independence.

Through his work, DuBose is ensuring that legacy not only endures but evolves—creating space for new voices, new stories, and a future where Black cinema continues to thrive.