MARIO VAN PEEBLES

Melvin Van Peebles Melvin Van Peebles, known as the "Godfather of Black Cinema," died Tuesday. (Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images)Filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles, known as the “Godfather of Black Cinema,” died Tuesday at his New York City home, his family said. We are saddened to announce the passing of a giant of American cinema, Melvin Van Peebles, who died last night, at home with family, at the age of 89. In an unparalleled career, Van Peebles made an indelible mark on the international cultural landscape. “Dad knew that Black images matter,” Mario Van Peebles said in a statement from the Criterion Collection.

The independent film director was best known for Watermelon Man and Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song.

Obit Melvin Van Peebles FILE - Mario Van Peebles, from left and Melvin Van Peebles arrive at the screening of "The Producers" at the 2018 TCM Classic Film Festival Opening Night at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Thursday, April 26, 2018, in Los Angeles. Melvin Van Peebles, a Broadway playwright, musician and movie director whose work ushered in the “blaxploitation” films of the 1970s, has died at age 89. His family said in a statement that Van Peebles died Tuesday night, Sept. 21, 2021, at his home. His family said in a statement that Van Peebles, father of the actor-director Mario Van Peebles, died Tuesday evening at his home in Manhattan. After his initial success, Van Peebles was bombarded with directing offers, but he chose to maintain his independence.

Melvin Van Peebles, a Broadway playwright, musician and movie director whose work ushered in the “blaxploitation” films of the 1970s, has died.

Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. “The White Tiger” shows her acting chops in a way that American productions have thus far failed to. The film, from director Gabriela Cowperthwaite (“Blackfish”), is adapted from Matthew Teague’s Esquire article about his own experience. — AP Film Writer Lindsey BahrMUSIC— After a hectic 2020, all you need is the smooth and soothing sound of Rhye to help you start the new year right. — AP Music Editor Mesfin FekaduTELEVISION— The rise and impact of one of the first female rap groups is dramatized in the Lifetime movie “Salt-N-Pepa” (8 p.m. EST Sunday).