A mock documentary sets the stage for this film, featuring the actors in character as production crew members who reflect on the tumultuous events of the 1960s. Amidst the ongoing turmoil of the Vietnam War, the problematic portrayals of Black Americans in cinema are spotlighted.
Fast forward to 1970, where Melvin Van Peebles, having recently completed Watermelon Man for Columbia Pictures, is deep in thought about his next cinematic venture. His talent agent Howie Kaufman suggests delving into comedy as a follow-up. While brainstorming under the vast skies of the Mojave Desert, Peebles sketches out his vision for this new film, emphasizing that it must not only be entertaining and commercially successful but also resonate with the Black community.
He ultimately titles his project Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, sending a story treatment to Kaufman, who raises concerns about the film's anti-police sentiments. Peebles reaches out to his friend Bill Harris for financial support; however, he is disappointed when Harris hesitates to ensure a 50 percent Black crew. Later, Peebles finds inspiration after viewing an adult film produced by Clyde Houston, and during a subsequent ADR session, Houston agrees to come aboard as a production manager. They manage to secure an interested investor named Bert, but the deal collapses when Bert behaves inappropriately at Peebles' house.
In a twist of fate at a nightclub, Peebles and Harris encounter a hippie named Donovan, who offers to finance the film. Behind the scenes, Peebles auditions several actors for the lead role, deciding to bring them on for supporting roles instead. He also hires "Big T," a sound assistant and head of security. His secretary, Priscilla, known for turning every situation into an audition, eventually earns a role in the film. However, when Peebles learns that Donovan has been arrested, the film's future—which has managed to rake in only $72,000—seems jeopardized. Priscilla later withdraws her participation due to her boyfriend's disapproval and is replaced by Ginnie, whom Peebles meets at Donovan's party.
Choosing the path of independence, Peebles cleverly deceives the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), convincing them that the film is actually a pornographic endeavor. To maintain low budgets, he films certain segments on 16 mm and even casts his son Mario Van Peebles, which does not sit well with his girlfriend, Sandra, who believes his son's involvement is inappropriate. As filming rolls on, Priscilla's boyfriend, Maurice White, urges Peebles to compose a score to promote his little-known band, Earth, Wind & Fire.
As production progresses, events take a turn when Peebles discovers that his crew members have been arrested for alleged grand theft. In a surprising gesture, Bill Cosby lends Peebles $50,000 to assist with bail. With only three days remaining, Big T expresses his desire to leave the project, but Peebles manages to persuade him to remain, emphasizing the film's potential importance for the community. In the editing room, Harris hires an editor, while Earth, Wind & Fire records the much-anticipated soundtrack. However, Peebles faces mounting pressure from threatening phone calls demanding immediate repayment of loans. Ignoring a distressing eye infection, he pushes through to complete the final cut.
When it comes time to market the film, distributors are reluctant. Kaufman steps in to connect Peebles with Jerry Gross of Cinemation Industries, who initially advises caution concerning marketing, but ultimately agrees to distribute the film. Peebles then meets with twin theater owners, Manny and Mort Goldberg, who reluctantly decide to screen it; however, the initial run fails to attract an audience. Just as the film is about to be pulled from theaters, members of the Black Panther Party arrive, elevating its visibility. Against all odds, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song skyrockets to become the highest-grossing independent film of 1971, with its soundtrack also achieving remarkable success.
