The Watermelon Woman

Cheryl is a young black lesbian filmmaker working at a video store who embarks on an investigative journey in search of a black actress from the 1930’s, known only under the name of “Watermelon Woman”. One of many black actresses from that period who were left uncredited for their stereotypical role as domestic servants, this mysterious figure is difficult to trace. Written, directed, edited and performed by Dunye, the film became a landmark of the New Queer Cinema movement, confronting a cultural history permeated by racism and homophobia with an intelligent and witty semi-documentary approach.