“Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song” is a 1971 film directed by Melvin Van Peebles. It is considered one of the first films in the genre of blaxploitation, which features African American characters and themes. The story follows Sweet Sweetback, a young man who becomes a target of the police after he witnesses a brutal act against a friend. The film is notable for its experimental style and its raw portrayal of urban life. It was produced on a low budget and gained significant attention for its bold themes of resistance and empowerment, influencing future filmmakers and the representation of African Americans in cinema.