Melvin Van Peebles was one of the first black directors to challenge the white establishment in his films, which include "Watermelon Man" and "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." In this documentary, the life of Van Peebles is discussed, including his work not only in film, but also as a novelist, actor, musician, stock trader and even Air Force pilot. Interview subjects include Gil Scott-Heron, Spike Lee and Melvin's son and fellow filmmaker, Mario Van Peebles.
Direction
Joe Angio lets the legend speak—then lets the receipts talk.
Production
Rare footage of a man who documented himself before it was cool.
Director
Joe Angio
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Van Peebles literally taught himself finance to option his own films when studios wouldn't.
Sweet Sweetback's success directly pressured studios to greenlight Shaft—creating the 'blaxploitation' label Van Peebles hated.
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Reactions from the web
Rest In Power, Melvin van Peebles August 21, 1932 - September 21, 2021
@baritonewoman2540 5
What a creative genius 💨🖤🤎🖤
@KINGCHAZZ84 4
4real just in case we are not doing anything right 🤔🌍🫶🐐🐑🤚🫅
@HelenWard-v1c
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