Shown in conjunction with Mickalene Thomas: Waiting on a Prime-time Star, Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song is a groundbreaking film in the history of African American cinema.  It tells of a young hustler who goes on the run after saving a Black Panther from local racist authorities. Written, directed, produced, edited and starring Melvin Van Peebles, the film ushered in a wave of films known as Blaxploitation cinema, which responded to a lack of black heroes and heroines in popular film.

1971. Rated R. (nudity and graphic sexual content; viewer discretion advised). Musical score by Earth, Wind & Fire. 1 hr 37 min