← 10 Most Profitable Independent Black Films

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By Anslem Samuel | Published October 5, 2011 | Full size is 620 × 480 pixels

HOTEL RWANDA Despite being released in only seven theaters domestically and drawing $110,999 its first weekend, Hotel Rwanda was an Oscar contender in 2004. During pre-production, potential investors and interested studios wanted Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, and even Will Smith to play the lead role because of their suggested bigger drawing capacity at the box office. But due to ultimately producing the film independently and coming up with the money himself, director Terry George was able to go back to his original choice of Don Cheadle. The film wound up grossing $33 million worldwide.

HOTEL RWANDA

Despite being released in only seven theaters domestically and drawing $110,999 its first…