"Sweetback's Baadasssss Song" is a 1971 film directed by Melvin Van Peebles. It is often credited as 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 witnessing a violent incident. The film is notable for its experimental style and its focus on social issues, including racism and police brutality. It was produced on a low budget and became a surprise hit, influencing many filmmakers and paving the way for future African American cinema.