Blackhawk Films was founded in 1927 as a producer of film advertising for merchants and as a distributor of regional newsreels. The company made its mark as a nontheatrical distributor with the advent of 16mm sound film in 1933, establishing several regional offices before WWII. In 1947, Blackhawk expanded into sales of used film and, soon thereafter, began distributing new 8mm and 16mm prints of Laurel and Hardy comedies from Hal Roach Studios as well as titles from such other suppliers such as Fox Movietone, Killiam Shows and National Telefilm Associates.

Film historian and preservationist David Shepard joined Blackhawk as Vice President (1973-1976) and, after founding Film Preservation Associates in 1986, acquired the Blackhawk Films library, now comprising some 5,000 titles.