| At 70, Helen often acts like an uninhibited teenager, sneaking cigarettes and exploring the bounds of her sexual identity. But at home, she cares for her 96-year-old husband Pete, a once-prominent Republican politician who now depends on her absolutely. Captured in intimate verite by director Alix Blair, HELEN AND THE BEAR is a lyrical portrait of the beautiful and complex relationship between Helen and Pete as they enter the final chapter of their marriage. Helen’s inner journey is brought to life through decades of journal entries and archival footage that reveal a struggle between her love for Pete and a desire for freedom. As Pete’s health worsens and Helen anticipates life without “Bear,” she wrestles with what’s been lost and won through life by his side. Helen and the Bear Official Trailer on Vimeo Directed by: Alix Blair Writers: Alix Blair & Katrina Taylor Producers: Alix Blair, Rebekah Fergusson, Lauren Kushner, Jenny Slattery Executive Producer: Kirsten Johnson Cinematographer: Alix Blair Editor: Katrina Taylor Original Score: Troy Herion & J.R. Narrows Sound Design: J.R. Narrows and Troy Herion Co-Producer: Elise McCave Consulting Editor: Jacquelyn Mills Associate Producer and Assistant Editor: Sarah Gorsline |
| Awards & Festivals Nominee: Best Cinematography – IDA Documentary Awards 2024 Nominee: Best Editing – IDA Documentary Awards 2024 Winner: Best Documentary Editing – Bend Film Festival 2024 World Premiere: Hot Docs Festival 2024 Frameline Festival 2024 New Orleans Film Festival 2024 Santa Fe International Film Festival 2024 Nashville Film Festival 2024 Opening Night Film: Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2025 Cleveland International Film Festival 2025 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival 2025 DOC NYC Selects 2025 |
