Melvin Van Peebles was one of the first black directors to challenge the white establishment in his films, which include "Watermelon Man" and "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." In this documentary, the life of Van Peebles is discussed, including his work not only in film, but also as a novelist, actor, musician, stock trader and even Air Force pilot. Interview subjects include Gil Scott-Heron, Spike lee and Melvin's son and fellow filmmaker, Mario Van Peebles.

À la fois icône et iconoclaste, Melvin Van Peebles est un réalisateur aussi fascinant que ses films. Ce documentaire raconte l’itinéraire d’un jeune Noir de Chicago qui a tourné un film très controversé : Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, à l’origine de la Blacksploitation. On découvre Van Peebles sous diverses facettes : pilote de l’armée, romancier français, rappeur, trader à Wall Street.