Skater to Photographer: Roy Blakey's Extraordinary Life

The documentary 'Uncle Roy' delves into the multifaceted life of Roy Blakey, a celebrated figure skater and later a pioneering photographer. Blakey's career spanned decades, beginning with his performances in the famed 'Holiday on Ice' shows during the 1950s and '60s. Alongside his skating, he cultivated an unparalleled collection of ice show memorabilia, now valued in the millions.

Directed by his niece Keri Pickett, the film utilizes nine decades of personal and professional archives. It showcases Blakey's journey from his Oklahoma roots and dreams of ice performance to his embrace of photography in New York City. The documentary captures his evolution into an artist known for his work with male nudes, queer icons, and celebrities.

'Uncle Roy' premieres on Thursday at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival in Greece. The film explores the deep bond that formed between Blakey and his niece after Pickett moved to New York. It also intimately documents Pickett's role as her uncle's caregiver as he faced declining health due to dementia, highlighting themes of family, memory, and end-of-life care.

This is Pickett's fourth feature film, following 'The Fabulous Ice Age,' which was also inspired by Blakey's collection. The documentary promises a tender, queer portrait of Blakey, blending archival material, interviews, and Blakey's own reflections as his memory fades. Worldwide sales are being handled by The Film Collaborative.