Lushes Premiere at Outfest 2009
Written by Joanne Reeve
(Cheeks @ Outfest 2009; image JAR ®)
Several months ago Cheeks made the exciting announcement that a new film short, Lushes, would be screening at several film festivals beginning the summer of 2009. While it is true that any endorsement by the Cheeky One himself creates a wave of anticipation, this revelation was monumental to anyone following his burgeoning career.
Lushes is a short film, directed by Ash Christian; of Fat Girls (2006) fame; written by Parker Torres; and produced by Nick Sweet, whose original music is also featured. The film chronicles the tale of two “Transtastic” drag queens, Cork (Ash Christian) and Desi (Parker Torres) that have set out to make a name for themselves in the formidable bar scene of the West Coast. Cheeks radiates in his performance of the wickedly fabulous Basil, the bête noire of the often fallible and oddly loveable duo. As the nefarious queen of all queens, Basil attempts to thwart their efforts by spinning a web of deceit with the help of his minions, Franny (Theresa Ryan) and Cindy Mindy (Kashena Sampson). Despite Basil’s odious nature, Cheeks manages to craft his character in such a manner that you crave more of his brand of depravity.
The screenings I attended on July 12th & 15th took place at Outfest 2009; a Los Angeles based film festival celebrating its 27th year showcasing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender film images and artistry. Screenings took place at the Directors Guild of America and the Regency Fairfax respectively. Several cast members attended the screenings in addition to Cheeks including Parker Torres, Nick Sweet, Theresa Ryan, and Sarah Perillo to name a few. Interacting with this talented group of artists was engaging and unforgettable in many ways. The respect these individuals have for one another’s accomplishments was evident. I was delighted that many of his peers expressed the same admiration for Cheeks’ work that his followers have come to realize.
Several of Cheeks’ loyal aficionados attended the screenings as well; members of what can only be described as a devout following known as Cheeks’ Peeps traveled from all over the country. It was a flurry of flashing lights and organized mayhem as Cheeks answered the call of his supporters graciously with several photo and autograph sessions; stealing away occasionally to pose for pictures with actors, writers and artists from other featured presentations.
(Cheeks @ Outfest 2009 with artists from other projects; image JAR ®)
(NICK SWEET & CHEEKS @ OUTFEST 2009; IMAGE JAR ®)
(Cheeks, Cate Tenmatay, Joanne Reeve, Parker Torres; image JAR ®)
Outfest cordially sponsored a pre-show party at the Directors Guild of America on July 12th as well as an after party at The Abbey. Alas, this would not be Cheekdom if there was not debauchery and merriment had by all. As you would expect, the Cheektini made an obligatory appearance before being invaded by a certain serpent-like appendage.
(CHEEKS @ THE ABBEY; IMAGE JAR ®)
(JAMAICA, CATE TENMATAY, TANIA DEL RIO, JOANNE REEVE; IMAGE JAR ®)
I must consider this journey as akin to that which Alice made on her descent into Wonderland. Having had the pleasure of his company, I found this phenom known as Cheeks, to be, not only, able to transform and metamorphosis into any character you desire; but also capable of extracting emotions from the depth of your being and altering the way in which you perceive art in all its forms, and largely, the world itself. A fearless libertarian who does not allow himself to be hampered by the constraints that society has placed on the artists of today. After returning to regularly scheduled programming, or as I generally call it, life as I know it; I find myself longing for the wonders beyond the looking glass. What reflections will Cheeks show us next; and more importantly, are you enlightened enough to follow?
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