The Watermelon Woman
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Film · 1997

The Watermelon Woman

Directed by Cheryl Dunye85 minDrama, Comedy, Romance

“Sometimes you have to create your own history.”

Synopsis

Cheryl (Cheryl Dunye) works a day job at a video store and wants to make a film of her own. She settles on Fae "The Watermelon Woman" Richards, a Black actress from the 1930s who was cast again and again as the mammy, usually credited by that nickname alone. Cheryl Dunye plays the filmmaker as she tracks Fae down, the video camera in her hands, the shelves of the store behind her.

Cheryl Dunyeas Cheryl
Valarie Walkeras Tamara
Lisa Marie Bronsonas Fae "The Watermelon Woman" Richards
Cheryl Clarkeas June Walker
Irene Dunyeas Self
Brian Freemanas Lee Edwards
Ira Jeffriesas Shirley Hamilton
Alexandra Juhaszas Martha Page
Sarah Schulmanas CLIT Archivist
V.S. Brodieas Karaoke Singer
Shelley Olivieras Annie Heath
David Rakoffas Librarian
Toshi Reagonas Street Musician
Christopher Ridenhouras Bob
Kat Robertsonas Yvette
Jocelyn Tayloras Stacey
Bill Wayterraas Photographer
Elaine Freemanas Bride's Mother
Erin Crameras Bride
Wellington Loveas Groom
Toni Nashas Groom's Mother
Zoe Goldbergas Little White Girl

Recent Screenings

  • @jack watched thisJune 30, 2025