Queer Film Club (QFC) is proud to present THE WATERMELON WOMAN, with an introduction by Marianna Apostolakis of East Rock House on Thursday, February 19 at 6:30pm. Entry is free with a suggested donation of $5.

The Watermelon Woman is a 1996 film directed by Cheryl Dunye. It centers on the director As Herself investigating the life of a mysterious Black actress from the The Golden Age of Hollywood, credited only as "the Watermelon Woman". Intercut with her quest are scenes dramatizing Dunye's own life working at a video store, hanging out with friends, awkward jobs filming events for hire, and dating life.

It is the first known feature length film to be directed by a Black lesbian. Its post-production budget was financed by the United States National Endowment for the Arts, which set off a flurry of controversy over its perceived explicit material, despite all of its content falling comfortably within the usual standards for an R rating. Since then, the NEA since has only been permitted to fund specific pre-approved projects.

QFC is a new and exciting collaboration between New Haven Pride Center, East Rock House, Hamden Pride, and Best Video Film & Cultural Center. QFC will be presenting 4 “Dyke Dramas”, one per month, January through April. The films are:

February 16 - THE WATERMELON WOMAN presented by Marianna Apostolakis for East Rock House
March 16 - BORN IN FLAMES presented by Suyane Oliveira for New Haven Pride Center
April 20 - GO FISH presented by Jacky Forcucci for Hamden Pride

This is the first of what will be an ongoing collaboration of exploration, discussion, community-making, and fun! Community organizations, support groups, and local small businesses will be in attendance at each event.