UNCLE ROY at Facets August 31

IN PERSON FILM EVENT! A documentary portrait of Roy Blakey, a pioneering figure skater, collector, and photographer who became known for his influential male nude photography in New York’s art world. Through archival footage, photographs, and intimate present-day moments, filmmaker Keri Pickett reflects on her lifelong bond with the uncle who mentored and inspired her. As 93-year-old Roy faces life-threatening dementia and his memories begin to fade, she races to preserve his legacy — a figure skater, ice-show archivist, and gay photographer whose male nudes etched into history. Tracing Roy’s journey from Depression-era beginnings and international ice shows to his role documenting queer culture, the film becomes a tribute to an unconventional artist and a moving exploration of family, memory, and legacy before his final curtain call.

  • Roy Blakey, Keri Pickett, B.J. French, Marian Spence, Kim Mahling, Josie Walker Blakey
  • Keri Pickett
  • 2026
  • United States of America
  • 87 minutes
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About Open Space Arts

The OPEN SPACE ARTS showcases powerful LGBTQ+ storytelling through five exciting components:

  • Full productions of bold and innovative plays.
  • Staged readings of classic and new plays.
  • Staged readings of winners from our QUEER EXPRESSION WRITING CONTEST FOR STAGE AND SCREEN.
  • In-person screenings of feature films at FACETS in Chicago.
  • A virtual selection of short and mid-length films, available for streaming anywhere.

Learn more about our programs at openspacearts.org.