What do a high fashion photographer, a front desk clerk, a little rich kid and a drag
diva have in common? They're four WeHo (West Hollywood) punks (gay black men) and
best buddies on the lookout for love. Marcus (Seth Gilliam) is a successful high fashion
photographer who turns down propositions from persistent super models and has plenty
of friends, but is searching for something more. Hilton (Dwight Ewell) just ended
a long-term relationship and is scared that time isn't on his side. They get plenty
of help from Crys (Jazzmun), the drag primadiva of the lipsynch group the Sistas,
who does her best looking after her friends. Their hopes for love elude them - until
Darby (Rockmond Dunbar), the drop-yer-jaw vision and straight guy, moves in next door.
That's when Marcus becomes a man with a mission.
A hit at the Sundance Film Festival, Punks takes us into new territory, stretching
the romantic comedy genre into an all-black, all-gay world. In his directorial debut,
writer/director Patrik-Ian Polk has crafted a slick, sexy and smart slice of pure
entertainment, driven by superb ensemble cast and fuelled by the sweet sounds of vintage
Sister Sledge tunes. Fierce and funny, Punks is destined to make waves in the worlds
of black and gay cinema.
“Vancouver 12th Annual Queer Film & Video Festival.” Out on Screen, 2000.
