Director: Mario Van Peebles

Cast: Mario Van Peebles, Khleo Thomas, T.K. Carter, Ossie Davis, Nia Long

Country: U.S.
Year: 2003
Running Time: 108 minutes
Format: 35mm

In 1970, an African American filmmaker set out to make a movie by and for black Americans. Though Melvin Van Peebles had plenty of credentials in the white world - successful movies, respected writing, lauded music, etc.- he wanted his new movie to describe a world the movie establishment, and most of white America, knew nothing about. He set out to do everything on his terms- writing, financing, casting, crew, and even marketing. Against unbelievable odds, every part of Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song reflects its filmmakers’ vision to this day. No “Directors Cut” needed. It was a huge success, ushered in the blaxploitation movement, and lives as one of the icons of American movie history.

In 2003, Mario Van Peebles set out to make a movie about the struggle and triumph of his father’s landmark artistic effort. Taking the lead role for himself (who else?), Mario tells one of the greatest stories about independent filmmaking ever told. It is an amazing adventure. Nothing comes easy; chicanery, temptation, and subterfuge are everywhere; humor and triumph follow danger and disappointment. The thoroughly entertaining result is certainly a tribute to Mario’s father’s historic movie triumph. More important, BAADASSSSS! unsentimentally pays tribute to all filmmakers who have held true to their own artistic vision.

--Jed Dietz

BAADASSSSS! producer/writer/director/actor Mario Van Peebles began his long and distinguished acting career as the infamous young boy in the opening scene of Sweet Sweetback’s… He has directed numerous television shows and award-winning movies, and is a distinguished film and television producer. Mario graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Economics, and has been a budget analyst for the City of New York.