A love story that defies convention.
Helen and the Bear is an intimate portrait of Helen Hooper McCloskey, a queer woman who married Republican congressman Pete McCloskey, 26 years her senior. Directed by her niece, Alix Blair, the film weaves together home movies, journals, and vérité footage to explore Helen's reflections on identity, love, and the complexities of a 40-year marriage.

World premiere at Hot Docs (2024). U.S. premiere at Frameline48. Official selections include Big Sky (Opening Night Film), DOC NYC, Full Frame, and Cleveland International Film Festival. Winner of Best Documentary Editing at Bend Film Festival. Nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Editing at the 2024 IDA Documentary Awards.