The Watermelon Woman - Black History Month 2026

Celebrate 30 years of a landmark classic on the big screen this Black History Month!

Cheryl, a witty video store clerk and aspiring filmmaker in 1990s Philadelphia, becomes obsessed with an uncredited 1930s Black actress known only as "The Watermelon Woman." As Cheryl sets out to uncover the actress’s real identity and hidden life, her personal investigation turns into a funny, sharp, and deeply personal journey of self-discovery.

Written, directed by, and starring Cheryl Dunye, The Watermelon Woman made cinema history as the very first feature film directed by an Black lesbian (openly). Filmed using documentary-style realism, alongside clever satire, the film boldly tackled the erasure of Black queer women in Hollywood history whilst also managing to capture vibrant 90s LGBTQ+ culture. Winner of the prestigious Teddy Award at the Berlin International Film Festival, it remains a hilariously fresh & thought-provoking cornerstone of both Queer Cinema and Black film history.

Starring: Cheryl Dunye, Guinevere Turner, Valarie Walker

Director: Cheryl Dunye