<P> "ushered in (along with Jim Jarmusch's Stranger Than Paradise) the American independent film movement of the 1980s . It was also a groundbreaking film for African - American filmmakers and a welcome change in the representation of blacks in American cinema, depicting men and women of color not as pimps and whores, but as intelligent, upscale urbanites ." </P> <P> Filming was completed in twelve days during the summer of 1985 on a budget of $175,000 . </P> <P> The film catalyzed the Fort Greene, Brooklyn neighborhood where it was shot . Lee portrayed the neighborhood as a vibrant cosmopolitan community where successful African Americans thrived, focusing not only on Nola and her struggles, but also on local children, residents, and graffiti . Fort Greene Park was the setting of much of the movie, and is portrayed as a comfortable place for the characters . People were encouraged to investigate the area's public spaces and viewers in other places investigated similar thriving public spaces of community importance . </P> <P> Following the film's release, media attention was drawn to Brooklyn, and to its artists and musicians . </P>

Where was she's gotta have it filmed