Will Ferrell embraces the transgender community in Sundance documentary

Will Ferrell arrives at the Sundance Film Festival to make the world premiere of his new documentary “Will & Harper,” which focuses on the relationship between the beloved comedian and his best friend Harper Steele as they take a road trip. The two met during their days on “Saturday Night Live,” for which Harper wrote from 1995 to 2008. Harper came out as transgender in 2022.

“It was three summers ago that Harper sent an email to a lot of her close friends with the subject line: 'This is a stranger,'” Ferrell said. diverse Studio is provided by Audible. “She made it clear that she was going to transition and we were all of course excited to hear the news and surprised to hear the news. We were all very supportive and expressed our love…but that kind of opened the door to questions like, 'How can we help you? What do you want us to do?' “

Ferrell said he had “no knowledge” about the transgender community before Harper came out to him.

“I've met trans people, but I've never had anyone in person in my life,” Ferrell said. “So this was new territory for me, and that's why I think this film is so exciting for us to put out into the world. It's an opportunity for all of us in the cis community to be able to ask questions and also just listen and be there as friends to discuss this journey.”

“It tells the story of a cis friend of a trans person who has to change themselves,” Harper added of the film.

The official synopsis for “Will & Harper” reads: “When Will Ferrell discovers that his best friend of 30 years will come out as a transgender woman, the two decide to embark on a cross-country road trip to process this new phase of their lives. An intimate portrait of friendship, transition And America.

Ferrell also produced the documentary alongside Jessica Elbaum, Raphael Marmur, and Christopher Leggett. The film is directed by Josh Greenbaum, who also produced.

“Will & Harper” is seeking distribution outside of the Sundance Film Festival.