Nicole Bessick
Binnelanders star ‘loves being outnumbered’ in new local LGBTQI movie
Nicole “Action Barbie” Bessick – also known as Chloe on e.tv’s Broken Vows, Xenia Samuels on Binnelanders, and Britney on the IGTV drama series, Lockdown Heights – stars in the new Showmax movie, No Hiding Here, which is billed as South Africa’s first gay romcom.
The story is set in a small town where drama teacher Sam (Earl Gregory) accidentally screens gay porn during the biggest school event of the year, and he and the guest performer at the event – a closeted celebrity musician (David Viviers) – are forced into hiding from the incensed local community. What follows for the duo is a weekend isolated at the teacher’s house – escaping from their problems, themselves, and a scandalised community demanding answers. Nicole plays Jamie-Lee, an ambitious aspiring DJ and former pupil of Sam’s who is desperate for her big break.
How did you prepare for the role? I used to be on campus radio at the University of Cape Town, so it was great to “go back in time” and channel being behind the boards for a bit! And as an ally of the LGBTQI+ community, I was so proud to stand alongside this cause, and bring this incredible piece of art to life. This was the safest, most inclusive set I’ve ever worked on. The cast and crew were predominantly from the LGBTQI+ community, pronouns were noted on call sheets, and as a heterosexual cis woman, I was completely outnumbered. I loved every second.
What was most challenging about playing your character? Jamie-Lee is good at what she does, and she works really hard. Slipping into her skin was relatively easy, because I think, as artists, we’ve all been there.
What was it like filming during Covid? In any environment, filmmaking can be a tedious and labour-intensive process that requires hundreds upon hundreds of hands – from actors, directors and extras to hair and makeup artists and catering staff. And when a deadly airborne virus is circulating, it’s the stuff of nightmares! We kept our set safe with strict safety protocols, safety briefings, and testing and isolating before scenes that required close contact.
What was one highlight from this film? The fact that the director, Gabe Gabriel, trusted me to be a part of something this ground-breaking. I was cast with great certainty shortly after auditioning . . . I didn’t even need to attend a call-back. It’s an incredibly rare, humbling thing.
Also, this film was made “by the gays, with the gays, for the gays” – as our director puts it. What excited me most is that this film celebrated LGBTQI+ creatives both on-screen and off-screen.
When the audition brief came through, the mandate was clear: queer characters must be played by queer actors. I can’t wait for the country to meet some of its hottest queer talent! This kind of representation in the SA entertainment industry is long overdue. ❑
No Hiding Here is streaming now on Showmax