The Watermelon Woman (1997)

Acclaimed filmmaker Cheryl Dunye takes centre stage in this ode to love, community and the past.

Touching on the complexities of interracial queer relationships, and revealing much about Cheryl Dunye’s own motivations, The Watermelon Woman follows a filmmaker as she gradually uncovers the truth behind an actor whose story seems to resonate with her own life.

1997 USA
Directed by
Cheryl Dunye
Produced by
Barry Swimar, Alexandra Juhasz, Cheryl Dunye, Zoe Leonard
Written by
Cheryl Dunye, Cheryl Dunye, Doug Mckeown
Featuring
Cheryl Dunye, Guinevere Turner, Valarie Walker
Running time
81 minutes

Ranked in The Greatest Films of All Time poll

Sight and Sound