is a 2003 American biographical drama film, written, produced, directed by, and starring Mario Van Peebles.

The film also stars Joy Bryant, Nia Long, Ossie Davis, Paul Rodriguez, Rainn Wilson, and Terry Crews.

A mock documentary opens the film with the actors (in character as the production crew members) reflecting on the tumultuous events of the 1960s.

In 1970, Melvin Van Peebles, who had finished Watermelon Man for Columbia Pictures, contemplates his next film project.

On set, Priscilla's boyfriend Maurice White asks Peebles to compose the score to help promote his then-unknown group Earth, Wind & Fire.

With three days left, "Big T" threatens to leave the production, but Peebles convinces him to stay because of the film's potential significance to the community.

Kaufman arranges Peebles to meet with Jerry Gross of Cinemation Industries, who initially cautions about marketing the film.

Gross eventually agrees to distribute, and Peebles meets with twin theater owners, Manny and Mort Goldberg.

"[2] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 75 out of 100, based on 33 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.

was nominated for several "best of" Independent Spirit and NAACP Image awards for 2005, including best feature, director, actor and screenplay.