The Watermelon Woman was made on a budget of $300,000, financed by a $31,500 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), a fundraiser, and donations from friends of Dunye.
The film "The Watermelon Woman" had a budget of $300,000, which was financed through a $31,500 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), a fundraising effort, and contributions from supporters of director Cheryl Dunye.