Black History Month Film Screening: The Watermelon Woman

As part of Neilson Park Creative Centre's (NPCC) Black History Month program, we will be screening two classic films!

The first film of the day will be Cheryl Dunye's The Watermelon Woman which will start promptly at 4:30 PM, so please arrive 10 minutes early to avoid missing any of the film and to leave yourself time to purchase snacks or drinks which will be available for purchase. After the film we will have an optional open discussion where folks can share their early thoughts and impressions.

About the film:

The wry, incisive debut feature by Cheryl Dunye gave cinema something bracingly new and groundbreaking: a vibrant representation of Black lesbian identity by a Black lesbian filmmaker. Dunye stars as Cheryl, a video-store clerk and aspiring director whose interest in forgotten Black actresses leads her to investigate an obscure 1930s performer known as the Watermelon Woman, whose story proves to have surprising resonances with Cheryl’s own life as she navigates a new relationship with a white girlfriend (Guinevere Turner). Balancing breezy romantic comedy with a serious inquiry into the history of Black and queer women in Hollywood, The Watermelon Woman slyly rewrites long-standing constructions of race and sexuality on-screen, introducing an important voice in American cinema.

🎬 What to Expect:

• Screening of The Watermelon Woman (84 minnutes)
• Snacks & refreshments (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) available for purchase
• Post-film open discussion (10-15 minutes)
• Free parking
• Free admission upon RSVP

Please no outside food or drinks. This is a 19+ event, so ID will be required.

📅 Friday, February 6, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 6:15 PM

Questions? Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (416) 622-5294

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Host or Publisher NPCC