Black Film by Hannah

How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It) is an insightful and well detailed documentary about maverick filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles. This documentary film was directed and written by Joe Angio, and produced by Michael Solomon in 2006. 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, Melvin Van Peebles.

Peebles was the epitome of a visionary and hard worker. This man worked so hard he started to lose his eye vision. He did not rest until his vision became a reality. I love hard working people like that. It’s not healthy but I understand that rush people get when they bring a dream to reality.

Let’s talk about this black man creating a film in French. Like what?! So talented. So ambitious. I just loved Peebles’ ambition and all the things he achieved. He even worked on Wall Street. As a fellow polymath, I honestly get it and love that for him.

Peebles was a overtly talented man and I wish he was given more flowers when he was alive. I’m happy I was introduced to him in this class.

Thanks for reading my review on How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It).