As her 93-year-old uncle Roy develops life-threatening dementia, filmmaker Keri Pickett’s decades-long quest to secure a home for his legendary nude male photography and theatrical ice-skating collection takes on a new urgency. The race to preserve his artistic legacy before his final curtain call.
UNCLE ROY is a poignant exploration of family, memory, and artistic legacy. Filmmaker Keri Pickett delves into the life of her 93-year-old uncle, Roy Blakey, a trailblazer in theatrical ice skating and gay male photography. Their deep bond, as the last members of their family tree, is revealed through decades of recent and archival footage.
Roy’s story spans from the Depression-era to the present, beginning with his career in 1950s and 60s ice shows, finding an authentic gay life in the world of touring performances. He became a celebrated photographer in 1970s New York, as a second career, capturing stars like Debbie Allen, Shirley MacLaine, and Divine. He pioneered contemporary male nude photography with his groundbreaking book, HE (1972). Inspired by Roy, Keri followed in his footsteps, becoming a photographer and strengthening their lifelong connection.
The film showcases Roy’s extensive ice-skating memorabilia collection—over 44,000 items, spanning a century of dancing on ice. When Roy suffers a life-threatening seizure and the onset of dementia, Keri becomes his primary caregiver. As his memories fade, she races to fulfill his final wish: securing a home for his unparalleled and far-reaching archives.
On Roy’s 94th birthday, only a month before his passing, the Tretter Collection at the University of Minnesota agreed to preserve both his photography and skating memorabilia, ensuring his contributions are preserved along with all their queer significance. In capturing Roy’s final chapter, Keri’s journey highlights the power of art, love, and legacy, preserving the story of a vibrant artist whose impact will endure.
Keri Pickett (she/her) is an award-winning Producer, Director and Director of Photography (DP) whose work centers on family, community, often focusing on those trying to right a wrong or showing how much one person can make a difference. She is the Co-Director/DP/Editor of FINDING HER BEAT, 2023 (87 minutes) which follows the making of a historic first-time gathering and concert with the best female taiko drummers in the world; smashing stereo-types and claiming centerstage. The film premiered at Mill Valley Film Festival and select festivals include DOCNYC, Heartland and Hot Springs. FIRST DAUGHTER AND THE BLACK SNAKE, 2017 (94 minutes) follows environmental activist Winona LaDuke and her family and community efforts to keep big oil out of her tribes' sacred wild rice territory. The films' many documentary feature film awards include Best MN Made Documentary Feature at MSPIFF and Frozen River Film Festival, Best Feature Film from Portland EcoFilm, the Courage Award from Red Nation Film Festival and is distributed by Virgil Films & Entertainment. Pickett is the Producer/Director/DP for THE FABULOUS ICE AGE, 2013 (72 minutes). The story spans a century of dancing on ice featuring the skating pioneers who changed the world along with one show skaters’ quest to ensure their history is not forgotten. The documentary premiered as a Netflix Original (2014-2019), in ten languages. Virgil Films & Entertainment is the distributor. She is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Premiere Available
Subject - Roy Blakey
Producer - Dawn Mikkelson
