Belo Cozad
Actor
About Belo Cozad
Belo Cozad was a Native American actor who appeared in the groundbreaking 1920 silent film 'The Daughter of Dawn.' As a member of the cast of this historically significant production, Cozad was part of one of the earliest films to feature an all-Native American cast in leading roles. The film was produced by the Texas Film Company and shot in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma with members of the Comanche and Kiowa tribes. Like many Native American actors of the silent era, Cozad's participation in cinema was limited, and 'The Daughter of Dawn' represents his only known film credit. The film itself was considered lost for decades before being rediscovered and restored in the 2010s, bringing belated recognition to its indigenous performers. Cozad's contribution to early cinema, while brief, represents an important moment in the representation of Native Americans on screen during a period when they were typically portrayed by white actors in makeup.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Daughter of Dawn' (1920), one of the first films with an all-Native American cast
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Belo Cozad, as part of the cast of 'The Daughter of Dawn,' contributed to a milestone in early cinema history - authentic Native American representation on screen. The film was revolutionary for its time, featuring indigenous actors playing themselves rather than white actors in redface, which was the common practice. Although Cozad's individual impact cannot be fully measured due to limited documentation, his participation in this groundbreaking film helped pave the way for more authentic representation of Native Americans in cinema, even if progress would remain slow for decades to come.
Lasting Legacy
Belo Cozad's legacy is tied to the rediscovery and restoration of 'The Daughter of Dawn' in the 2010s, which brought renewed attention to the film and its indigenous cast. The film is now recognized as an important cultural artifact, not only for its cinematic qualities but for its authentic portrayal of Plains Indian culture and traditions. Cozad and his fellow cast members represent the early, often overlooked contributions of Native Americans to Hollywood history.
Who They Inspired
While specific influences of Belo Cozad on later performers cannot be traced due to limited documentation, his participation in 'The Daughter of Dawn' contributed to the broader movement of authentic Native American representation in film. The film serves as an early example of indigenous storytelling in cinema that would influence later Native American filmmakers and actors seeking to reclaim their narratives.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Belo Cozad's personal life, which was common for Native American actors in the silent era who often received little recognition or documentation from the film industry.
Did You Know?
- 'The Daughter of Dawn' was considered a lost film for over 90 years before being discovered in a private collection in 2012
- The film featured an all-Native American cast from the Comanche and Kiowa tribes
- Many cast members, including Belo Cozad, were actual tribal members performing traditional dances and ceremonies
- The film was shot on location in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma
- No intertitles survive with the rediscovered print, making some plot details unclear
- The film was added to the National Film Registry in 2013 for its cultural significance
- Many Native American actors from silent films, including Cozad, received no screen credit in contemporary documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Belo Cozad?
Belo Cozad was a Native American actor who appeared in the 1920 silent film 'The Daughter of Dawn,' one of the earliest films to feature an all-indigenous cast in leading roles.
What films is Belo Cozad best known for?
Belo Cozad is known only for his appearance in 'The Daughter of Dawn' (1920), which remains his sole documented film credit.
When was Belo Cozad born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Belo Cozad are not documented, which was common for Native American actors from the silent era who received little historical recognition.
What awards did Belo Cozad win?
Belo Cozad did not receive any formal awards during his lifetime, though 'The Daughter of Dawn' was later recognized for its cultural significance by being added to the National Film Registry in 2013.
What was the significance of 'The Daughter of Dawn'?
'The Daughter of Dawn' was groundbreaking for its time as it featured an all-Native American cast performing their own traditions and ceremonies, rather than white actors in redface, making it an important milestone in authentic indigenous representation in cinema.
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Films
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