TIFF Highlight: Watching Will & Harper’s powerful journey

Last night I had the privilege of seeing Will & Harper, as part of its Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) debut.

Harper Steel, Will Ferrell, Josh Greenbaum, and Rafael Marmor

Will & Harper is a heartfelt road-trip documentary starring Will Ferrell and his long-time friend, Harper Steele, who had recently come out as a transgender woman during the pandemic years. The film explores their evolving friendship as they embark on a cross-country journey to process Harper’s transition. The documentary, praised for its intimate portrayal of friendship and the transgender experience, debuted at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival to standing ovations and has since been acquired by Netflix.

The film captures the complexities of identity, acceptance, allyship, and friendship, with Ferrell’s classic humor interwoven with sincere, emotional moments as he navigates this new chapter with Harper. It provides a touching reflection on how friendships evolve as people grow and change.

I hadn’t realized that the ticket I’d purchased was orchestra, row A. It was my first time sitting in a theatre’s very first row. But before I had time to feel any disappointment, a TIFF representative welcomed us in, and shared that there would be some special guests joining us after the film - about two meters in front of me, for a Q&A. The host said, “normally by day 8 of TIFF, move-goers are expecting Q&A’s with a grip, or a DP. But today you’ll be hearing from the film’s Director, Josh Greenbaum, one of the film’s producers, Rafael Marmor, Harper Steel herself (!!), and the one and only, Will Ferrell”. I couldn’t believe it.

It was so surreal to sit in the flesh with these inspiring humans. I was struck by the privilege of being privy to such a powerful, vulnerable, important story. I couldn’t recommend Will & Harper enough.