His groundbreaking film "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song" inspired a generation of filmmakers.
American writer and director Melvin Van Peebles, pioneer of "Blaxploitation", has died at the age of 89, his son announced on Wednesday (September 22nd).
"We are saddened to announce the passing of an American film giant, Melvin Van Peebles, who died last night [on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday], at his home with his family, at the age of 89 years, "his son, actor Mario Van Peebles, and film distribution company Criterion Collection said in a statement. "Over a unique career, Melvin Van Peebles has left an indelible mark on the global cultural landscape. He will be sorely missed," the statement said.
"Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song", released in 1971, is a low budget film about a man performing in pornographic shows who kills two racist police officers for beating up a Black Panthers activist. With this innovative work in both substance and form, Melvin Van Peebles ushered in the era of "Blaxploitation" and inspired many younger directors, such as Spike Lee and Barry Jenkins. “I didn't even know I had a heritage,” he told The New York Times in 2010. “I do what I want to do”.
"Sweet Sweetback," which he wrote, directed, funded, and stars in, was released in only two theaters in 1971 but through word of mouth it ended up grossing $ 10 million, making it the highest grossing independent film in history at the time, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
With AFP
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