This week on Out Takes we took a look at two very different films that highlight the ongoing transformation many LGBTIQ people go through and how this is represented on the big screen. From coming out to what comes next, we’re looking at what it means to transform, finding your purpose, what you gain and lose in the process and the opportunities and struggles that come with being your authentic self.

First up we looked at ‘Brittany Runs A Marathon’, the new feature film from gay writer and director Paul Downs Colaizzo that caused a bidding war at this year’s Sundance Film Festival with Amazon Studios acquiring worldwide distribution rights to the film for $14 million dollars. Based on a true story, the film follows Brittany Forgler, a hilarious hot mess of a New Yorker who always knows how to have a good time, but at 27, her late-night adventures are starting to catch up to her. She takes the first step in changing her life by actually taking a run around the block and that’s where the story gets interesting. Our special guests on the show were the star of the film, Jillian Bell, and Paul Downs Colaizzo (pictured with Out Takes presenter Conrad) who took us behind the scenes of this funny, frank and insightful film which is in cinemas now.

We also took a look at ‘The Ice King’ a searing documentary about John Curry, a lost cultural icon in a fascinating story of art, sport, sexuality, and rebellion. It includes incredible unseen footage of some of his most remarkable performances and with access to Curry’s letters, archive interviews, and interviews with his family, friends and collaborators, this is a portrait of the man who turned ice-skating from a dated sport into an exalted art form. The Ice King is an exclusive release on DocPlay, a new streaming service featuring award winning and exclusive documentaries from around the globe.

Special thanks to Alicia and Cathy at ABCG Film for the opportunity to interview Jillian Bell and Paul Downs Colaizzo, and for their ongoing support of Out Takes.