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The Watermelon Woman

Sometimes you have to create your own history. 

Year: 1996 
Running Time:
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 
Certificate: BBFC 15 Cert – Not suitable for under 15s 
Subtitles: This film is not expected to be subtitled, though this cannot be guaranteed. 
Directed by Cheryl Dunye 
Starring: Cheryl Dunye, Guinevere Turner, Valarie Walker  
An image from The Watermelon Woman

Buy Tickets on the SU Website:
19:30 Tuesday 22nd October 2024

Review:

“Sometimes you have to create your own history.”

The Watermelon Woman is a striking, idiosyncratic, metatextual mockumentary headed by plucky protagonist Cheryl, an aspiring filmmaker based in Philadelphia. Ambitious to shed light on the histories of fellow Black lesbian creatives who too often face a ‘hostile industry’, it is full of energy, purpose and poise, and is both frank and funny. The Watermelon Woman is notable for being the first feature-length film made by an out Black lesbian director, and strives to make room for others in this space. Its rapid pacing keeps you on your toes, jumping from scene to scene, as Cheryl endeavours to unravel the identity of an actress mysteriously titled ‘The Watermelon Woman’ alive during the 1940s. The Watermelon Woman is a truly unmissable watch and one that will stay alive in your memory.

Martha Gibbs

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Screenings of this film:

2024/2025 Autumn Term (digital)