movie poster for WATERMELON WOMAN

Flicks ID

13617

Cert

15

Running time

85 mins

Country

Language

Format

DVD

WATERMELON WOMAN (1996)

CHERYL DUNYE

Plot

This a mockumentary about a young filmmaker's search for information about the Watermelon Woman, an undocumented 1930s black film actress forever cast as a 'black mammy'. Set in Pennsylvania, the tale follows director/video store clerk Cheryl through arguments with her co-producer, make out sessions with her new flame, as well as run-ins with staff at the Center for Lesbian Information and Technology (CLIT). A moving film about race and sexuality that gives a large nod to the lesbian filmmakers who were breaking out in the 1990s, including Dunye's co-star Guin Turner.