Becoming Cherrie
Synopsis
In a desperate attempt to escape his everyday reality and get back on stage, Matthew created his absolutely fabulous drag alter-ego Cherrie Ontop. A decade later, Cherrie is Belfast’s most-loved drag artist, and Matthew is a spokesperson for people living with HIV in Northern Ireland. However, as a result of being so open about his HIV status, Matthew has become a frequent target for homophobic trolling, threats and abuse.
BECOMING CHERRIE allows us inside the intimate process of transformation between Matthew and Cherrie. A portrait of resilience and reinvention, Matthew and his father Terry tell the story of the difficulties of living with HIV in the age of the DUP - set against the backdrop of the abuse Matthew has received; adapted into a terrifying stage performance!
Details
- Year
- 2019
- Type of film
- Shorts
- Running time
- 11 min
- Director
-
Nicky Larkin
- Producer
- Nicky Larkin
- Executive Producer
- Patricia Moore
- Editor
- Jules Lyndon
- Director of Photography
- Jennifer Atcheson
- Sound
- Graeme Denny, Terry Grew
- Composer
- Diplomat M, Tony Fitz
Genre
Categories
Production Status
Page updates
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