"Cause I think the more people see each other the more people get each other." – Louis C.K.
Last week, I reported on the Check Its.
The Check Its are a gang that grew in Washington D.C. Several black, gay teens were targets of bullying. They decided to fight back and joined together to become the sometimes infamous Check Its gang.
The thing is, the Check Its grew tired of that. They transitioned from violence in the streets and have just recently opened up their own business and community center.
There, they hope to make a profit selling self-made clothing and giving back to the community by offering services and lessons.
Its this amazing group that comedian and actor Louis C.K. helped to spotlight in the new documentary “Check It.”
C.K. released the film on his web site for $5. That’s right, $5.
C.K. saw the film at the Tribeca Film Festival in August after being asked by the executive producer Steve Buscemi. What he saw amazed him enough to help with the movie’s distribution.
“It knocked me right over,” he said. “It was an amazing emotional ride. It was funny and moving, I learned a lot and it gave me a lot to think about after.”
“It’s about a gay black street gang in DC (the only one documented in the country) made up of kids who were living on the streets and easy targets for violence and harassment,” he explained. “They started this gang to protect each other. They made a family where they didn’t have one.”
“It takes on life right where the rubber hits the road. What made me love it was just the kids themselves. They are like any kids, like anyone’s children. They are trying to cope against terrible odds, they are funny and full of hope and life. Their lives are difficult and complex. They are very generous in sharing this with the filmmakers and you, if you watch the film.”
If the film sounds interesting to you, make sure to buy it on C.K.’s site for $5, and get to know the Check Its.
