A landmark work in Black queer cinema that aligns beautifully with OUTMemphis’ mission of visibility, community, and celebration.
Presented by Lisa Berry & Fully Developed at the OUTMemphis Community Center
The Watermelon Woman
Playtime: 1h 30m
Cheryl is young, Black, and lesbian, working in Philadelphia with her best friend Tamara and consumed by a film project: to make a video about her search for a Black actress from Philly who appeared in films in the 30s and was known as the Watermelon Woman. Following various leads, Cheryl discovers the Watermelon Woman's stage name and real name and surmises that the actress had a long affair with Martha Page, a White woman and one of Hollywood's few female directors. As she's discovering these things, Cheryl becomes involved with Diana, who's also White. The affair strains Cheryl's friendship with Tamara. More discoveries bring Cheryl (and us, her audience) to new realizations.
