The Watermelon Woman

The first feature directed by an African-American lesbian, Cheryl Dunye’s film is as funny, thought-provoking and original as it was 30 years ago.

Screening dates and booking

Check which tickets are still available across the festival – and find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Credits

  • Director-screenwriter

    Cheryl Dunye

  • With

    Cheryl Dunye, Guinevere Turner, Valarie Walker

  • USA 1996. 83min

  • Courtesy of

    The Film Collaborative

  • Language

    English

  • Certificate

    BBFC 15

Introduction

Video store clerk and budding filmmaker Cheryl discovers a 1930s-era Black actress named ‘The Watermelon Woman’ and decides to find out more about her. Cannily blending fiction and documentary, the film follows Cheryl’s journey of investigation and self-discovery. In addition to directing, Dunye writes and stars in this landmark achievement in queer filmmaking.

Grace Barber-Plentie

Preserved by the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Preservation funded by 13th Gen, Outfest, The Andrew J. Kuehn Jr. Foundation, TIFF, First Run Features and Yves Averous.

Screening with

Greetings from Africa

  • Director

    Cheryl Dunye

  • USA 1996. 10min

  • Language

    English

Restored by the UCLA Film & Television Archive in conjunction with the Sundance Institute. Funding provided the UCLA Film & Television Archive and the Sundance Institute.

How to book

BFI Flare tickets start from £10, with concessions available for many screenings and discounts for BFI Members. Booking information and ticket prices.

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

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