The Watermelon Woman Movie (1997): Where to watch and stream online

The Watermelon Woman

1997, Movie, 1h 25min

The wry, incisive debut feature by Cheryl Dunye gave cinema something bracingly new and groundbreaking: a vibrant representation of Black lesbian identity by a Black lesbian filmmaker. Dunye stars as Cheryl, a video-store clerk and aspiring director whose interest in forgotten Black actresses leads her to investigate an obscure 1930s performer known as the Watermelon Woman, whose story proves to have surprising resonances with Cheryl’s own life as she navigates a new relationship with a white girlfriend (Guinevere Turner). Balancing breezy romantic comedy with a serious inquiry into the history of Black and queer women in Hollywood, THE WATERMELON WOMAN slyly rewrites long-standing constructions of race and sexuality on-screen, introducing an important voice in American cinema.

Country: United States

Director:

Cast:

Critic Marjorie Baumgarten

rated

With this film, the director has created something she calls the “Dunyementary.” I think the term frames it perfectly.

Read full review at The Austin Chronicle

Frequently asked questions

What is The Watermelon Woman about? Toggle content

Meet Cheryl, a young black lesbian filmmaker on a mission to uncover the truth about The Watermelon Woman, a mysterious actress from the 1930s who played stereotypical "mammy" roles. Cheryl's investigation takes her on a journey through lesbian clubs, cultural critiques, and personal relationships, as she uncovers the hidden story of Fae Richards, the real woman behind the Watermelon Woman moniker. As she delves deeper into Fae's life, Cheryl confronts her own identity and the complexities of race, sexuality, and power in the film industry. Will she be able to share Fae's story with the world, or will it remain a buried secret?

Where can I stream The Watermelon Woman? Toggle content

You can stream The Watermelon Woman on: Mubi

What movies are similar to The Watermelon Woman? Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as The Watermelon Woman include 10 Things I Hate About You, Jerry Maguire, High Fidelity, Forrest Gump, Punch-Drunk Love, About a Boy.