Project Detail

Becoming Cherrie

Synopsis

A short documentary about living with HIV in conservative Northern Irish society. The film tells the story of actor and performer Matthew Cavan, aka Belfast’s most-loved drag artist, Cherrie Ontop. Diagnosed HIV-positive aged 19, Matthew struggled to find acceptance in conservative Northern Irish society. Coming from a religious family, Matthew was kicked out of his church by the Minister, and having never met anybody else with HIV, felt so alone he tried to commit suicide.
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

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

Supported by BFI NETWORK

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