American writer and director Melvin Van Peebles, pioneer of “
Blaxploitation
”, whose avant-garde film
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
inspired younger generations of black filmmakers, has died at the age of 89.
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“We are saddened to announce the passing of an American cinema giant, Melvin Van Peebles, who died last night (the night of Tuesday to Wednesday), at his home with his family, at the age of 89. "
, announced his son, actor Mario Van Peebles, and the film distribution company Criterion Collection in a statement.
“
During a unique career, Mr. Van Peebles has left an indelible mark on the global cultural landscape.
He will be sorely missed
, ”he added.
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. Director Ava Duvernay paid tribute to the one she calls a "sage", echoing one of her thoughts:
"You must not let yourself believe that you cannot. Do what you can do within the framework you have. And don't look outside. Look inside. ”
“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 and funded, and stars in, had only been released in two theaters but through word of mouth he ended up making $ 10 million by making the film. highest-grossing independent in history at the time, according to the Hollywood Reporter.