The Watermelon Woman
dir. Cheryl Dunye · 1997
Exploring one's identity and history is essential for understanding oneself and navigating relationships.
Cheryl, a young Black lesbian filmmaker in Philadelphia, embarks on a quest to uncover the story of a forgotten Black actress known as the Watermelon Woman. As she navigates her own identity and romantic entanglements, the film unfolds with a blend of humor and poignancy, inviting viewers to reflect on the intersections of race, sexuality, and history.
Cheryl is young, Black, and lesbian, working in Philadelphia with her best friend Tamara and consumed by a film project: to make a video about her search for a Black actress from Philly who appeared in films in the 30s and was known as the Watermelon Woman. Following various leads, Cheryl discovers the Watermelon Woman's stage name and real name and surmises that the actress had a long affair with Martha Page, a White woman and one of Hollywood's few female directors. As she's discovering these things, Cheryl becomes involved with Diana, who's also White. The affair strains Cheryl's friendship with Tamara. More discoveries bring Cheryl (and us, her audience) to new realizations.
