In an interview with Culture Q on Revry, Amber Whittington, better known as @AmbersCloset on social media, sits down and discusses why diversity within queer films is important and where to watch them. @AmbersCloset hosts on Revry where she does Queer Classix, a “show within a show” that highlights a queer film where Amber will then host interviews and discuss fun facts pertaining to the film.
Queer ClassiX is a show within a show as influencer, Ambers Closet, hosts the screening of “Queer Classic” The Watermelon Woman, streaming now on Revry. Catch interviews with cast member Guinevere Turner, culture writer Tre’vell Anderson, and filmmaker/star Cheryl Dunye. pic.twitter.com/A9XoLtJM2u
— Revry (@REVRYTV) February 25, 2022
This month’s choice was The Watermelon Woman, which tells the story of a young Black lesbian, Cheryl, who is a filmmaker living in Philadelphia. The film follows Cheryl as she works on a film project involving searching for an actress known as “Watermelon Woman” who was a Black actress known for her roles in the 30s, often playing the archetype of the “mammy.” Amber discussed how films from the 90s, when this film was released, are often not centered around queer voices or stories. And, if they are, they often center on white gay men, leaving out other LGBT voices.
As long as you can see yourself for who you are, don’t worry about the version of you that they made up in their minds. pic.twitter.com/WzCsVSCkGK
— AmbersCloset (@amberscloset33) December 14, 2020
Amber calls the film a “Black queer woman classic” and says that it was important to watch for purposes of representation. She also noted that the film talks a lot about Cheryl’s journey not only with her sexuality but also with her career and trying to make it as a filmmaker, which is important to see. This is why Queer Classix became a thing, to introduce queer people to diverse movies and give them the ability to discuss how the film mirrors real life. To watch the full interview or watch the next Queer Classix, you can visit here.
