Picture this if you will, your father is THE brilliant, iconic filmmaker, actor and revolutionist, Melvin Van Peebles. And when you are just thirteen years old, he gives you a pivotal role in a movie that will change the way the world looks at black men and women forever.

Mario Van Peebles, actor, eco-activist, director and producer, took that role, playing the younger version of his father, Melvin’s character in the mega-hit indie film, Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song. An experience that would put Mario on the actor/filmmaker track for the rest of his life and allow him to bring his own vision of black people to the silver screen.

But what if you found yourself confronted by ignorance and prejudice each time you sat in that director’s chair? Would you give up your vision and continue to allow Hollywood to whitewash America? Or would you stand your ground and make films that cast black people in all the starring roles?

Finding Mario Van Peebles:

Instagram: @mariovanpeebles

Twitter: @mariovanpeebles

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