The Watermelon Woman (1996)
(Cheryl Dunye, US 1996, 90 min., DCP)
Black Female Filmmakers. Directing and starring in this independent romantic comedy, Cheryl Dunye plays an aspiring filmmaker working in a video store. She becomes interested in films of the 1930s and 1940s, and particularly in black actresses of the era who were often uncredited. She decides to make a documentary about one of them, credited only as “The Watermelon Woman.” Her research leads her to some interesting places, including the office of Camille Paglia, the Center for Lesbian Information and Technology, and the bed of one her customers, Diana. This groundbreaking film is presented in a new 4K restoration.
Presented in partnership with ImageOut: Rochester LGBTQ Film Festival.