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! https://www.facebook.com/becomingcherrie/
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
- Music
- Diplomat M, Tony Fitz
Genre
Production status
Complete
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Last updated 10th January 2020
