Melvin Van Peebles

In 1971, director Melvin Van Peebles turned the figure of the black hero in US cinema upside down with Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song: the story of the making of a seminal movie that initiated the Blaxploitation movement, a short-lived but highly influential sub-genre in the years that followed.

A look at the extraordinary achievements and contemporary legacy of Oscar Micheaux, a pioneer of the African-American film industry.

Un exagente federal que intenta reorientar su vida tras un caso difícil descubre que muchos de sus compañeros están sufriendo lo mismo que él y que quizá haya una conspiración.

Un psicólogo se da cuenta de que se necesita su ayuda profesional después de presentarse sin aviso a una reunión familiar de la familia de su novia.

The film looks at men and women of color in the U.S. Merchant Marine from 1938-1975. Through chronicling the lives of these men and women who, with a median age of 82, are beset with a host of life-threatening illnesses, the movie tells how they navigated issues of racism, disparities in the workplace, gender and familial relations.

In Tennessee, Bailey, a debt-straddled blues guitarist, is escorted across the state by a man named Augy so that he can collect his recently deceased grandfather's estate. A drama focused on an individual's spiritual redemption.

Durante más de treinta años ha permanecido oculto en una televisión sueca un material inédito sobre el movimiento estadounidense Black Power, pero ahora, una vez rescatado, se han puesto a disposición de todos las entrevistas, vídeos y reportajes que realizaron algunos periodistas del país nórdico en Estados Unidos, entre los años 1967 y 1975. Black Power fue un movimiento de defensa de los derechos de ciudadanos negros que se desarrolló en EEUU a finales de los sesenta y principios de los setenta. La protesta social reivindicaba el orgullo racial y cultural que suponía ser negro y demandaba igualdad de derechos políticos y sociales para toda la sociedad, independientemente de su raza.

A documentary looking at the making and legacy of The Spook Who Sat by the Door (1973).

A look at the development of film making and its contribution to the social and political times form the perspective of Black film makers.

THE BLACK LIST: VOL. 2 profiles some of today's most fascinating African-Americans. From the childhood inspirations that shaped their ambitions, to the evolving American landscape they helped define, to the importance of preserving a unique cultural identity for future generations, these prominent individuals offer a unique look into the zeitgeist of black America, redefining the traditional pejorative notion of a blacklist.

A semi-autobiographical story about an adventurer whose journeys take him from Harlem to the high seas and back again

A semi-autobiographical story about an adventurer whose journeys take him from Harlem to the high seas and back again

A semi-autobiographical story about an adventurer whose journeys take him from Harlem to the high seas and back again

Chronicles the rise and fall of 1970s New York City nightclub Plato's Retreat.

Narra varias cosas que sucedieron durante el apagón general de Brooklyn en 2003. (FILMAFFINITY)

Lucky (Wesley Snipes) es un ex-convicto cuyo camino de redención está a punto de tomar un giro desafortunado. A sabiendas de que comete un error, acepta celebrar el cumpleaños de un gángster, que resulta ser un montaje que lanza a Lucky de vuelta a un alocado juego del gato y el ratón entre él y una banda de polis corruptos...

An interview/overview on the influential careers of Gordon Parks, Ossie Davis, and Melvin Van Peebles.

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.

Director Mario Van Peebles chronicles the complicated production of his father Melvin's classic 1971 film, "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." Playing his father in the film, Van Peebles offers an unapologetic account of Melvin's brash and sometimes deceptive conduct on the set of the film, including questionable antics like writing bad checks, tricking a local fire department and allowing his son, Mario, to shoot racy sex scenes at the age of 11.

This twenty-two minute interview with Melvin Van Peebles has the cult filmmaker starting things off by lighting a cigar, which is something he has done in several interviews. From here he talks about the making of his hit film SWEET SWEETBACK'S BAADASSSSS SONG, which of course broke all sorts of records and is what would kick start the blaxploitation genre. If you're a fan of the film or the director then you should enjoy this featurette, which tries to have a raw look like the film in question, although the effect here is a bit lame. With that said, there are still some very good stories told including one about a STD Van Peebles got during one of the scenes in the film. He talks about a few specific scenes in the picture as well as the now infamous one featuring his son in a sex scene. There's nothing ground-breaking here but it's certainly an entertaining interview.

This twenty-two minute interview with Melvin Van Peebles has the cult filmmaker starting things off by lighting a cigar, which is something he has done in several interviews. From here he talks about the making of his hit film SWEET SWEETBACK'S BAADASSSSS SONG, which of course broke all sorts of records and is what would kick start the blaxploitation genre. If you're a fan of the film or the director then you should enjoy this featurette, which tries to have a raw look like the film in question, although the effect here is a bit lame. With that said, there are still some very good stories told including one about a STD Van Peebles got during one of the scenes in the film. He talks about a few specific scenes in the picture as well as the now infamous one featuring his son in a sex scene. There's nothing ground-breaking here but it's certainly an entertaining interview.

A Jewish blaxploitation hero saves Hanukkah from the clutches of Santa Claus's evil son.

Entrevistas e imágenes de archivo que ilustran y comentan la historia del género "blaxploitation".

Maverick director Melvin Van Peebles translates his own satirical novel to the screen with this multi-national portrait of race, class, and hypocrisy. The film's title refers to the name of a haute cuisine restaurant run by a self-satisfied conservative couple, Henri and Loretta. When the two find themselves overworked in the kitchen, they retreat to the local orphanage to find some cheap waitressing help, and the teenaged Diamantine fits the bill perfectly. The haughty couple has more plans for the girl than just waiting tables, however -- the conspicuously accommodating Henri and Loretta are actually bad-mouthing the girl behind her back to the townspeople and the restaurant's patrons. They go so far as to ask the naive Diamantine to pretend that she's pregnant, and she complies under the assumption that it's a harmless prank. When their intentions are revealed, however, the girl becomes wise to the couple's self-satisfied scheming, and sets her sights on revenge.

Maverick director Melvin Van Peebles translates his own satirical novel to the screen with this multi-national portrait of race, class, and hypocrisy. The film's title refers to the name of a haute cuisine restaurant run by a self-satisfied conservative couple, Henri and Loretta. When the two find themselves overworked in the kitchen, they retreat to the local orphanage to find some cheap waitressing help, and the teenaged Diamantine fits the bill perfectly. The haughty couple has more plans for the girl than just waiting tables, however -- the conspicuously accommodating Henri and Loretta are actually bad-mouthing the girl behind her back to the townspeople and the restaurant's patrons. They go so far as to ask the naive Diamantine to pretend that she's pregnant, and she complies under the assumption that it's a harmless prank. When their intentions are revealed, however, the girl becomes wise to the couple's self-satisfied scheming, and sets her sights on revenge.

Maverick director Melvin Van Peebles translates his own satirical novel to the screen with this multi-national portrait of race, class, and hypocrisy. The film's title refers to the name of a haute cuisine restaurant run by a self-satisfied conservative couple, Henri and Loretta. When the two find themselves overworked in the kitchen, they retreat to the local orphanage to find some cheap waitressing help, and the teenaged Diamantine fits the bill perfectly. The haughty couple has more plans for the girl than just waiting tables, however -- the conspicuously accommodating Henri and Loretta are actually bad-mouthing the girl behind her back to the townspeople and the restaurant's patrons. They go so far as to ask the naive Diamantine to pretend that she's pregnant, and she complies under the assumption that it's a harmless prank. When their intentions are revealed, however, the girl becomes wise to the couple's self-satisfied scheming, and sets her sights on revenge.

Maverick director Melvin Van Peebles translates his own satirical novel to the screen with this multi-national portrait of race, class, and hypocrisy. The film's title refers to the name of a haute cuisine restaurant run by a self-satisfied conservative couple, Henri and Loretta. When the two find themselves overworked in the kitchen, they retreat to the local orphanage to find some cheap waitressing help, and the teenaged Diamantine fits the bill perfectly. The haughty couple has more plans for the girl than just waiting tables, however -- the conspicuously accommodating Henri and Loretta are actually bad-mouthing the girl behind her back to the townspeople and the restaurant's patrons. They go so far as to ask the naive Diamantine to pretend that she's pregnant, and she complies under the assumption that it's a harmless prank. When their intentions are revealed, however, the girl becomes wise to the couple's self-satisfied scheming, and sets her sights on revenge.

A history of the racially stereotyped portrayal of African Americans in cinema, hosted by film pioneer Melvin Van Peebles.

A history of the racially stereotyped portrayal of African Americans in cinema, hosted by film pioneer Melvin Van Peebles.

In April 1992, following the notorious Rodney King verdict, the streets of Los Angeles became a battlefield, the backdrop to four personal intertwined stories.

James de 18 años (James Pfeiffer) abandona la universidad y decide convertirse en un pescador como su padre. Margaret y Russell sus padres, estan muy molestos con la decisión de su hijo. Tenían un montón de esperanzas para él, terminando la escuela de derecho y, al igual que su hermano mayor, José, hacer una vida decente en vez de dedicarse al peligro de la mar. James sueña con tener su propio barco .

A black police officer discovers a cell of white supremacist vigilantes within his department.

A black police officer discovers a cell of white supremacist vigilantes within his department.

A black police officer discovers a cell of white supremacist vigilantes within his department.

A series of erotic short films, all with similar unexpected endings.

"Panther" narra los orígenes del grupo de defensa personal "Los Pantera Negras". Después del fracaso de la lucha pacífica del Dr. Martin Luther King, van a desencadenarse una serie de enfrentamientos entre sectores de la población afroamericana y la policía. Entonces aparecen los 'Panteras Negras', una forma de lucha armada de la comunidad negra. Para intentar menguar su fuerza, el FBI introducirá la droga entre sus miembros para hacer tambalaearse la agrupación.

"Panther" narra los orígenes del grupo de defensa personal "Los Pantera Negras". Después del fracaso de la lucha pacífica del Dr. Martin Luther King, van a desencadenarse una serie de enfrentamientos entre sectores de la población afroamericana y la policía. Entonces aparecen los 'Panteras Negras', una forma de lucha armada de la comunidad negra. Para intentar menguar su fuerza, el FBI introducirá la droga entre sus miembros para hacer tambalaearse la agrupación.

"Panther" narra los orígenes del grupo de defensa personal "Los Pantera Negras". Después del fracaso de la lucha pacífica del Dr. Martin Luther King, van a desencadenarse una serie de enfrentamientos entre sectores de la población afroamericana y la policía. Entonces aparecen los 'Panteras Negras', una forma de lucha armada de la comunidad negra. Para intentar menguar su fuerza, el FBI introducirá la droga entre sus miembros para hacer tambalaearse la agrupación.

"Panther" narra los orígenes del grupo de defensa personal "Los Pantera Negras". Después del fracaso de la lucha pacífica del Dr. Martin Luther King, van a desencadenarse una serie de enfrentamientos entre sectores de la población afroamericana y la policía. Entonces aparecen los 'Panteras Negras', una forma de lucha armada de la comunidad negra. Para intentar menguar su fuerza, el FBI introducirá la droga entre sus miembros para hacer tambalaearse la agrupación.

Basada en el popular manga y anime japonés, narra la historia del joven guerrero Kenshiro que en un desolador futuro debe enfrentarse a su destino místico y luchar para salvar a su novia secuestrada

A young boy receives a mystical motorcycle that transforms into a woman when he rides it at night.

A young boy receives a mystical motorcycle that transforms into a woman when he rides it at night.

A young boy receives a mystical motorcycle that transforms into a woman when he rides it at night.

A young boy receives a mystical motorcycle that transforms into a woman when he rides it at night.

A young boy receives a mystical motorcycle that transforms into a woman when he rides it at night.

Charlie Sheen es instructor de paracaidismo. Cuando una alumna realiza su primer salto, se produce un fatal accidente al no abrirse su paracaídas. Acusado de su muerte y afligido por su responsabilidad, comienza a sospechar que detrás del extraño accidente hay un complot de espionaje internacional, y que alguien quiere hacerle cargar con la culpa.

Arrabal's sixth film based on his novel from 1969 with the same name as the movie.

Danny Madigan es un fantasioso chico, ferviente admirador de Jack Slater, el mayor héroe del cine de acción. Nunca se pierde ninguna de sus películas, así que, ante el estreno de su última superproducción, el viejo acomodador del cine le regala al joven fan una entrada para que la vea en primicia. Gracias a esa entrada, que resulta tener poderes mágicos, Danny consigue introducirse en la pantalla y vivir trepidantes aventuras con Jack.

Un grupo de soldados de infantería, en su mayoría negros, regresan de la Guerra de Cuba (1898) con un alijo de oro. Viajan al Oeste, donde su líder busca a los hombres que lincharon a su padre.

Marcus es un triunfador que trabaja como ejecutivo de una empresa publicitaria, y que se acuesta con casi todas las mujeres que desea. Tras un cambio en la dirección de su compañía, su nuevo jefe resulta ser una mujer, Jacqueline, que le tratará exactamente del mismo modo que él empleaba con las mujeres. Traumatizado por esto, su rendimiento laboral decaerá gravemente. (FILMAFFINITY)

Miles es un actor negro que no consigue triunfar. Un día, de regreso a casa tras otro fracaso artístico, su avión amenaza con estrellarse y en un momento de pánico el pasajero de al lado le confiesa que es un mafioso al que el FBI cree muerto porque se ha hecho la cirugía estética. Pero el avión consigue aterrizar llegando sanos y salvos. Ya en tierra, Miles se verá perseguido por la mafia, por lo que se disfrazará de blanco para salvar el pellejo.

The Behind-the-Scenes documentary of the dramatic comedy Do the Right Thing.

Put your fingers in the holes and let them do the walking - right into the world of 976-STUD! New comers April West and Amanda Tyler head a cast of sex hungry stars. The girls take a problem into their own hands and work it up for the ultimate sexual payoff - pleasure! The men of 976-STUD are waiting for your call ladies, so do yourself a favor and dial...

A rapper finds himself possessed by the soul of a dead fashion designer; frequently switching personalities.

A rapper finds himself possessed by the soul of a dead fashion designer; frequently switching personalities.

A rapper finds himself possessed by the soul of a dead fashion designer; frequently switching personalities.

A rapper finds himself possessed by the soul of a dead fashion designer; frequently switching personalities.

14-year-old Enid Crowley hates her name and everything about her boring life. All this changes when she becomes a full-time babysitter to a sheltered boy. The two hook up for some hilarious adventures in the park with a mysterious bag lady and a street musician. With the help of Enid's boyfriend, Seth, they try to give the park dwellers a "special evening," but their good deed backfires and lands them in trouble.

Ellen Brody aún vive en el pueblecito isleño de Amity, pero sus hijos Sean y Michael ya no trabajan en el Sea World y hace tiempo que su marido Martin falleció de un ataque al corazón debido a su miedo a los escualos. Sean es ahora policía del pueblo. Una noche de Navidad tiene que acudir a una llamada para desenredar un tronco de una boya y es devorado por un gran tiburón blanco. Su madre piensa que fue una venganza personal contra su familia, por lo que su hijo Michael decide llevársela con su mujer y su hija lejos de Amity.

The zany crew of a New York cable TV station accidentally bounce a signal off the moon, bringing them worldwide attention.

O.C. y Stiggs dos jóvenes desencantados de los suburbios cuyo principal objetivo es hacer la vida imposible a la familia Schwab, cuyos miembros representan lo que ambos chicos más detestan: la clase media.

Upon learning that their grandmother is not long for this world, Nate and Priscilla Simmons pack up their kids and leave Detroit to head down South. Eventually, the family rediscovers its African-American roots and elects to stay in their new rural surroundings.

A documentary film about the Afro-American Woodstock concert held in Los Angeles seven years after the Watts riots. Director Mel Stuart mixes footage from the concert with footage of the living conditions in the current day Watts neighborhood. The film won the Golden Globe for Best Documentary Film.

The comedic tale of two minions of the devil who crash a Harlem party thrown by Miss Maybell with high hopes of destroying its festive atmosphere. The first of the imps to arrive, Trinity, loses sight of his mission and consequently falls in love with Miss Maybell's impressionable young niece Earnestine. Trinity is later joined by Brother Dave, his older, more jaded partner. But as Dave pulls out all the stops to dampen the mood, he serves only to enhance the partygoers' good spirits.

The comedic tale of two minions of the devil who crash a Harlem party thrown by Miss Maybell with high hopes of destroying its festive atmosphere. The first of the imps to arrive, Trinity, loses sight of his mission and consequently falls in love with Miss Maybell's impressionable young niece Earnestine. Trinity is later joined by Brother Dave, his older, more jaded partner. But as Dave pulls out all the stops to dampen the mood, he serves only to enhance the partygoers' good spirits.

The comedic tale of two minions of the devil who crash a Harlem party thrown by Miss Maybell with high hopes of destroying its festive atmosphere. The first of the imps to arrive, Trinity, loses sight of his mission and consequently falls in love with Miss Maybell's impressionable young niece Earnestine. Trinity is later joined by Brother Dave, his older, more jaded partner. But as Dave pulls out all the stops to dampen the mood, he serves only to enhance the partygoers' good spirits.

The comedic tale of two minions of the devil who crash a Harlem party thrown by Miss Maybell with high hopes of destroying its festive atmosphere. The first of the imps to arrive, Trinity, loses sight of his mission and consequently falls in love with Miss Maybell's impressionable young niece Earnestine. Trinity is later joined by Brother Dave, his older, more jaded partner. But as Dave pulls out all the stops to dampen the mood, he serves only to enhance the partygoers' good spirits.

The comedic tale of two minions of the devil who crash a Harlem party thrown by Miss Maybell with high hopes of destroying its festive atmosphere. The first of the imps to arrive, Trinity, loses sight of his mission and consequently falls in love with Miss Maybell's impressionable young niece Earnestine. Trinity is later joined by Brother Dave, his older, more jaded partner. But as Dave pulls out all the stops to dampen the mood, he serves only to enhance the partygoers' good spirits.

The comedic tale of two minions of the devil who crash a Harlem party thrown by Miss Maybell with high hopes of destroying its festive atmosphere. The first of the imps to arrive, Trinity, loses sight of his mission and consequently falls in love with Miss Maybell's impressionable young niece Earnestine. Trinity is later joined by Brother Dave, his older, more jaded partner. But as Dave pulls out all the stops to dampen the mood, he serves only to enhance the partygoers' good spirits.

After saving a Black Panther from some racist cops, a black male prostitute goes on the run from "the man" with the help of the ghetto community and some disillusioned Hells Angels.

After saving a Black Panther from some racist cops, a black male prostitute goes on the run from "the man" with the help of the ghetto community and some disillusioned Hells Angels.

After saving a Black Panther from some racist cops, a black male prostitute goes on the run from "the man" with the help of the ghetto community and some disillusioned Hells Angels.

After saving a Black Panther from some racist cops, a black male prostitute goes on the run from "the man" with the help of the ghetto community and some disillusioned Hells Angels.

After saving a Black Panther from some racist cops, a black male prostitute goes on the run from "the man" with the help of the ghetto community and some disillusioned Hells Angels.

After saving a Black Panther from some racist cops, a black male prostitute goes on the run from "the man" with the help of the ghetto community and some disillusioned Hells Angels.

Jeff Gerber, a racist insurance agent and fitness freak, lives in a typical suburban neighborhood. But Jeff's bigoted world of taunting and harassing black people on and off the job is turned upside down when his skin inexplicably turns dark overnight. As Jeff tries to come to terms with this unexplained phenomenon that has befallen him, he soon becomes the victim himself, when all of his friends and neighbors suddenly shun and harass him.

Jeff Gerber, a racist insurance agent and fitness freak, lives in a typical suburban neighborhood. But Jeff's bigoted world of taunting and harassing black people on and off the job is turned upside down when his skin inexplicably turns dark overnight. As Jeff tries to come to terms with this unexplained phenomenon that has befallen him, he soon becomes the victim himself, when all of his friends and neighbors suddenly shun and harass him.

Jeff Gerber, a racist insurance agent and fitness freak, lives in a typical suburban neighborhood. But Jeff's bigoted world of taunting and harassing black people on and off the job is turned upside down when his skin inexplicably turns dark overnight. As Jeff tries to come to terms with this unexplained phenomenon that has befallen him, he soon becomes the victim himself, when all of his friends and neighbors suddenly shun and harass him.

Commercial director Serge Faberge is having an affair with Evelyne, the 18 year old fiancee of friend Hugh. His own pregnant wife Francoise usually does not mind his dalliances, until he actually walks out on her and their newborn baby to move in with Evelyne. The shoe is on the other foot when dashing stuntman Dado catches Evelyne's eye in Venice.

Turner (Harry Baird), an African American soldier stationed in France, is granted a promotion and a three-day leave from base by his casually racist commanding officer and heads to Paris, where he finds whirlwind romance with a white woman (Nicole Berger)—but what happens to their love when his furlough is over?

Turner (Harry Baird), an African American soldier stationed in France, is granted a promotion and a three-day leave from base by his casually racist commanding officer and heads to Paris, where he finds whirlwind romance with a white woman (Nicole Berger)—but what happens to their love when his furlough is over?

Turner (Harry Baird), an African American soldier stationed in France, is granted a promotion and a three-day leave from base by his casually racist commanding officer and heads to Paris, where he finds whirlwind romance with a white woman (Nicole Berger)—but what happens to their love when his furlough is over?

A boy sees a 500-franc note under a sewer grate and tries to retrieve it.

A boy sees a 500-franc note under a sewer grate and tries to retrieve it.

A boy sees a 500-franc note under a sewer grate and tries to retrieve it.

The second short film Melvin Van Peebles made in San Francisco before decamping for Europe is a striking portrait of a group of day labourers competing to secure a job.

The second short film Melvin Van Peebles made in San Francisco before decamping for Europe is a striking portrait of a group of day labourers competing to secure a job.

A black man steals to afford to marry the woman he loves. After being released from prison, he returns in time to see his daughter's wedding.

A black man steals to afford to marry the woman he loves. After being released from prison, he returns in time to see his daughter's wedding.