"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 helps a Black Panther escape arrest. The film is notable for its experimental style and its raw portrayal of urban life. It was produced on a low budget and became a cultural landmark, influencing future filmmakers and the representation of African Americans in cinema. Its success helped pave the way for more diverse storytelling in Hollywood.