The story of gay former Olympic figure skater Randy Gardner is coming to the big screen, and you can help get it there.
The project began with Gardner’s one-man theater show about his life with the same name as the film, ‘Go Figure: The Randy Gardner Story.’ The show was seen by longtime figure-skating fan Sharidan Williams-Sotelo, who has editing credits on a slew of projects including Breaking Bad and Mr. Robot. Now she is directing and editing the behind-the-scenes film.
For Gardner, inspiring young people to live their true lives is the most important outcome of the project. He was overjoyed to see several out gay figure skaters at the Olympics earlier this year.
“I believe the most important part of telling one’s story, whether it be in memoir or film form, is to help the next generation learn about your own experience and maybe even help them find their way in this ever so complicated world,” Gardner told Outsports
Gardner’s story isn’t one-dimensional. He found out late in life that he was adopted, and that is an important part of the storytelling in the film.
“I also have met so many adoptees and parents that have given up children (for a variety of reasons), along this story-telling journey, that I feel I’ve been given back in return so much support and understanding. It’s been a ‘give and you shall receive’ experience, for sure.”
The project still needs some funding to complete post-production, and you can help! The benefits you get from donating to the film are pretty great. For a donation of just $250 you get a half-hour ice-skating lesson from the legend himself! The benefits start at $15, but all donations are welcome. You can donate to the post-production costs of Go Figure on the film’s See and Spark page.
You can follow Randy Gardner on Twitter @therandygardner. The film also has a Twitter feed @gofigurefilm.
