Beyond The Watermelon Woman - The Growing Legacy of Cheryl Dunye
What happened after The Watermelon Woman?
From a personal perspective, what film or what person comes to mind when you say the word ‘filmmaker’?
For many people, it may be difficult to pinpoint it to one person, or one film. It was for me. Yet, I do have a film that has stuck with me for decades.
On the board above my desk I have a cinema stub that reflects a person, and film, that has long held significance for me.
The Watermelon Woman by Cheryl Dunye.
This 1996 feature film was written, directed, and starred Cheryl Dunye. The genre was unusual - it encompassed work that blends narrative fiction and documentary, since that seminal film was released the technique has become known as ‘Dunyementary’ - a hybrid storytelling style with a innovative approach that has become a hallmark of Dunye’s work - similar techniques are now commonplace in much of the ‘talking head’ video content on social media sites like TikTok.
Dunye did not stop innovating cinematic techniques or cease her commitment to represent the marginalised voices of particular communities after the production of The Watermelon Woman.
Her list of achievements are continuing to grow even as now, in September 2024, I reflect on her public contributions to the world of cinema and TV since 1996.
In recent years, Dunye has made a successful transition to television directing. She has directed episodes for several popular series - some of which I’ve watched, including:
Queen Sugar
Dear White People
The Fosters
Love Is_
The Chi
David Makes Man
The Umbrella Academy
Lovecraft Country
Claws
All Rise
Throughout her career, Dunye has successfully occupied multiple roles in film production including being an actor, writer, producer, and, as mentioned above, an accomplished director.
One of Dunye’s directorial contributions includes Stranger Inside (2001), which demonstrates her ability to bring marginalised stories to a wide audience while maintaining the authenticity and complexity of her subjects.
In an industry historically shaped by a homogeneous perspective, Dunye's contributions stand as a testament to the power of diverse voices. Her revolutionary and trailblazing career continues to light the way for aspiring filmmakers, encouraging bold, uncompromising storytelling.
Dunye's body of work transcends conventional cinema, functioning as a catalyst for social change and a celebration of underrepresented identities. Her films are not just works of art; they are acts of resistance, reclamation, and empowerment.
Cheryl Dunye’s career, as a Black LGBTQI+ filmmaker, is a testament to the power of representation and the importance of diverse voices in cinema. Her work, particularly The Watermelon Woman, is considered groundbreaking in its exploration of race, sexuality, and identity in film, and the rest of her work produced in her career to date continues to provide visibility to underrepresented communities, while also challenging audiences to reconsider the narratives that dominate our cultural landscape.
In a testament to her transformative role in film and LGBTQ+ representation, Dunye received Yale University's distinguished 2023-24 Brudner Prize. This recognition celebrates her lasting legacy in reshaping cinematic narratives and fostering inclusivity.
I have watched The Watermelon Woman numerous times, and it still has the ability to appear fresh and innovative upon each viewing - this is why, when given the opportunity, I joined a group of other film lovers to re-watch it at the Small Cinema in Liverpool on 2 September 2016, and I’ve kept the ticket stub as a reminder of that occasion.
Opportunities to support me as a freelance artist:
This newsletter is free to receive, but not free to collate therefore if you are enjoying the content of these newsletters please consider a donation or upgrade to a Substack subscription.
Thank you.
Donate here: PayPal or buy a ko-fi
Available for commissions, contact me via this page