Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum to screen 'Watermelon Woman'

Nearly 30 years after its release, "The Watermelon Woman" continues to spark conversations about identity, representation, and queer history.

Community activist and local historian Anna Bergman -along with Louise Lawrence Transgender Archive, Solano AIDS coalition, and Vallejo Gay Network - will present "The Watermelon Woman," as part of Pride movie night at the museum on Saturday from 7-10 p.m.

Bergman presented "Sally!" in April alongside director Deborah Craig at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum. The documentary explored the life and legacy of Sally Gearhart, a pioneering lesbian activist and feminist leader.

Admission for "The Watermelon Woman" is $18 at the door. Refreshments will be provided.

"The Watermelon Woman" is a 1996 romantic comedy-drama film written, directed, and edited by Cheryl Dunye, working on her debut film.

"The Watermelon Woman" stars Cheryl Dunye as Cheryl, Guinevere Turner as Diana, and Valarie Walker as Tamara. The film follows Cheryl and her best friend, Tamara, who work at a video rental store in Philadelphia. After watching a film called "Plantation Memories," Cheryl becomes fascinated by an uncredited Black actress known only as "The Watermelon Woman."

Determined to uncover the actress's true identity and story, Cheryl embarks on a quest to research her life and create a documentary about her.

Dunye has directed episodes of the television series "Lovecraft Country" and "Bridgerton." She also co-wrote the 2010 film "The Owls", a mystery-comedy about a group of lesbian friends who accidentally commit a murder and attempt to cover it up, and directed the 2012 film "Mommy Is Coming", which explores themes of gender fluidity, sexuality, and relationships.

In a time when Black lesbian stories were not featured and often erased in Hollywood, Dunye paved the way for Black lesbian filmmakers.

"It isn't just a film. This film is a reminder that visibility is survival and that representation is infrastructure. It centers around Black lesbian women and in a narrative that Hollywood spent decades trying to erase," said Tara Beasley-Stansberry, co-owner of Noonie's Place and candidate for Vallejo City Council District 5. "When you can't find your story, you write one yourself. And that's what (Dunye) did. That's what art is. You don't let anyone define you. You can only define yourself."

Beasley-Stansberry says that "The Watermelon Woman" not only encourages audiences to better understand one another, but also highlights the hope found within the community.

"I really do have to thank (Bergman) for her continued contributions to the community," she said.

"My wife and I own Noonie's Place. We are a sponsor, and we will continue to sponsor these efforts from her."

For Bergman, it was important to choose a film that celebrated lesbians and Pride month in a positive, light-hearted manner.

"The film is fun, and fun is important. Joy is important. I'm happy to be showing something that's not deadly serious," said Bergman.

Bergman said she feels fortunate to live in Vallejo, where the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum has supported LGBTQ+ programming and allowed her to screen films she considers important.

"I feel that lesbians get silenced and pushed out. I feel that there needs to be more visibility for gay women. There are many different identities in this world, and I think lesbian identity needs to be highlighted," said Bergman.

Bergman hopes the screening of The Watermelon Woman will inspire audiences to explore "Directory of Dreams: Bay Area Lesbian Economies and Radical Care, 1970-1995," an exhibit curated and co-presented by the Bay Area Lesbian Archives.

Dr. Kerby Lynch, a Vallejo native and Director of Research and Facilitation for Ceres Policy Research, curated the exhibition.

"There is a great scene in (Watermelon Woman) about the main character going to an archive," said Bergman. "It's about finding your own history. (Lynch's) work is so important. Lesbians do a lot of heavy lifting to serve and fight for the community."

Because the film takes place during the '90s, Bergman said she also wanted a film that older lesbians can reminisce on.

Whether an audience member is viewing the film with nostalgia or viewing what life was like in the 90s for the first time, Bergman said she is hoping to see a multigenerational crowd.

"As someone from Gen X, I really enjoy my era becoming nostalgic. In terms of thinking about what would be fun, I thought about my generation of women. Being in your 20s is exciting and a period where you discover a lot of stuff. Discovery is lifelong," said Bergman. "When you get older, you can look back on films like this, and it's charming and inspiring."

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