MINNESOTA — The upcoming debut of Uncle Roy at this spring’s Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival brings Minnesota audiences an intimate exploration of family legacy, told through the lens of acclaimed local filmmaker Keri Pickett. The highly anticipated premiere, set for April 2026, shines a spotlight on the remarkable life of Roy Blakey, a pioneering figure in both ice skating history and photographic documentation.

Celebrating a Life on and off the Ice

At the heart of Uncle Roy is the extraordinary journey of Roy Blakey. Blakey, whose career took him from the world’s ice rinks to a trailblazing role as a photographer and archivist, serves as both the documentary’s subject and its emotional core. Minnesota native Keri Pickett, Blakey’s niece, drew inspiration from his extensive collection of memorabilia—an archive that not only preserves a bygone era of theatrical ice shows but also captures a broader narrative of artistic dedication and cultural history.

The Filmmaker’s Personal Journey

Pickett’s experience working on Uncle Roy highlights the unique challenges filmmakers face when documenting their own families. She notes the delicate balance required to maintain both intimacy and journalistic objectivity. The project compelled her to reflect on ethical choices in documentary filmmaking, understanding when to step back as a chronicler and when to lean in as a family member. Her evolution as a filmmaker is evident throughout the process, supported by an experienced team that contributed to the documentary’s depth and sensitivity.

Memory, Preservation, and the Power of Archives

Beyond its personal dimensions, Uncle Roy delves into universal themes of memory, aging, and the preservation of cultural artifacts. The film addresses the importance of archival preservation, with Blakey’s collection serving as a window into the rich history of performance and artistic communities. Through careful documentation and curation, Pickett underscores how personal storytelling can contribute to the broader historical record.

A Festival Premiere with Local Significance

The film’s premiere at the Minneapolis Film Festival carries additional resonance. Scheduled near the location of the former studio that Pickett and Blakey once shared, the event weaves Minnesota’s creative history into the film’s narrative arc. Community members and festival-goers alike will have a rare opportunity to witness both the artistry of Uncle Roy and the ongoing impact of Minnesota’s creative communities on the documentary filmmaking landscape.

Collaboration Fuels the Creative Process

Pickett credits the success of Uncle Roy to spirited film collaboration, acknowledging the contributions of editors, cinematographers, and producers. This collaborative endeavor ensured the project’s vision stayed true to its roots as a deeply personal account, while also appealing to broader audiences interested in family legacy, the evolution of the ice skating world, and the importance of documenting individual contributions to culture.

An Invitation to Reflect on Our Own Legacies

Ultimately, Uncle Roy invites audiences in Minnesota and beyond to consider their own stories of memory and care. By spotlighting Roy Blakey’s journey from globetrotting skater to guardian of performance history, the documentary opens dialogue about how families and communities can honor their pasts. As Pickett looks forward to the film’s debut, she hopes viewers leave with a renewed sense of appreciation for archival preservation, the complexity of personal storytelling, and the enduring power of familial bonds.