Louis CK has released a documentary on his website that follows the lives of a black LGBT+ street gang in Washington, DC.
The comedian wrote in a post to his fans that he first watched Check It at the Tribeca Film Festival last year when the film’s executive producer—Steve Buscemi—invited him along.
“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,” writes CK.
“They started this gang to protect each other. They made a family where they didn’t have one.
“It’s not an easy film. 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.”
CK continues on to say that he was compelled to share the documentary on his website because he “knew no one I know would ever see it”.
“Documentaries are MUCH harder to make than the things that I do and they are FAR more expensive to the filmmakers in terms of their time and their lives and their emotional energy. And nobody much watches them.
“Those who do watch documentaries are usually people who are likely to be interested in the subject they cover already. But what a great value there is in showing people films about something that just isn’t on their radar.”
The film also features a social worker who supports the gang as well as mentors helping them to create their own fashion and learn how to box.
CK has worked with the film’s producer’s to make the documentary available on his website for a small fee saying: “I do this with great confidence because it’s a powerful film and I know that, whoever you are, you’re going to love it.”
You can watch the trailer for Check It below.
