Cheryl Dunye is an award-winning writer, director, actor and producer whose film and video work over the past two decades has made a significant contribution to LGBT people of color cinema.  Her singular vision, sharp social commentary and insightful wit have enriched our community and our lives.

Dunye started her career screening her delightful early short films in festivals around the world. Her “Dunyementaries” JANINE (1990), SHE DON’T FADE (1991), THE POTLUCK AND THE PASSION (1993) and GREETINGS FROM AFRICA (1996) fuse humor, intelligence and drama in the world of urban, young black lesbians as they make their way through the murky waters of love, friendship and dating. In 1996, Dunye wrote, directed and starred in her stunning debut feature film, THE WATERMELON WOMAN, which skillfully weaves together a comedy and a sexy love story as it addresses identity politics, race relations, African American culture and film history.  In 2000, she found a wider audience with her acclaimed HBO Films feature, STRANGER INSIDE, and later box office success with a nationwide Miramax release, MY BABY’S DADDY.

A former member of the Outfest Board of Directors and a dear friend of this organization, Dunye and her work have made us think, laugh and kept us entertained for almost 20 years. Her spirit of independence and her commitment to telling original stories about the lives of LGBT people of color continue to inspire and move us.

A tribute to Cheryl Dunye will precede the Opening Night Gala.

THE WATERMELON WOMAN will screen Sunday, December 2 at 3:00pm.

Filmography
Janine (1990)
She Don’t Fade (1991)
Vanilla Sex (1992)
Untitled Portrait (1993)
The Potluck and the Passion (1993)
Greetings From Afraica (1994)
The Watermelon Woman (1996)
Stranger Insider (2000)
My Baby’s Daddy (2003)