Final answer:
Oscar Micheaux, an influential African American director, created counternarratives in film, portraying dignified black characters amidst racial stereotypes in early Hollywood.
Explanation:
In the early years of feature films, Oscar Micheaux emerged as a prominent African American director who masterfully examined racial issues of the time through his work like Within Our Gates. His films were among the first 'race films,' directed by black filmmakers for black audiences, portraying dignified black characters during a time of racial stereotyping in Hollywood. Unlike D. W. Griffith, who made advancements in storytelling but had a legacy overshadowed by racism, Micheaux's innovative style offered cinematic counternarratives.
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