Archiving by Other Means:
The Watermelon Woman

Join Conway Hall this summer for an exclusive screening of Cheryl Dunye’s landmark film The Watermelon Woman (1997). Widely regarded as being the first US feature film directed and produced by a black lesbian director, Dunye’s The Watermelon Woman creates a whole new kind of intertexutal fictional storytelling and archival discovery, drawing upon restorative practices and social action to advocate for queer counternarratives.

Winner of the Teddy Award at the Berlin International Film Festival and Audience Award for Outstanding Feature at Outfest (1996), Dunye’s sharply satirical debut picture brought to the screen something startlingly novel and innovative upon its release: a semi-parodic and complex portrayal of Black lesbian identity by a Black lesbian filmmaker. The Watermelon Woman sees video clerk and filmmaker Cheryl (played by Cheryl Dunye herself) determined to piece together the history of a long-forgotten and uncredited African-American actress from the 1930s, only known as ‘The Watermelon Woman’. Cheryl sets out to film a documentary to better understand the actress’ identity, recognising commonalities with her own life and developing an enigmatic kinship with her along the way.

Experience Cheryl Dunye’s seminal film in Conway Hall’s historic library, a home and refuge for freethinkers, radicals and reformers since 1886, who dared to dream of a better society. Join us in this historic space for a unique opportunity to celebrate the significance of history creation in queer communities. This screening will accompanied by a display offering a glimpse into aspects of queer history-making from Conway Hall’s own archives.

Tickets purchased for this screening include a complimentary drink. 

Age Recommendation: 16+

Price: Standard £10 • Concessions £8

Access Information

Due to the age and Grade II listing of the building, there is no lift access to rooms above the ground floor.

All the ground-floor rooms are fully accessible by wheelchair. Main Hall (street access, step-free), Brockway Room (street access, step-free), Bertrand Russell Room (street access, shallow ramp), Hive Cafe (street access, step-free), There is also an accessible toilet on the ground floor opposite the Brockway Room.

Other events that may interest you

Picturing Nonconformity: LGBT Humanist Heritage Opening

Lead Me Into Temptation, Please: LGBT Summer Fair