I thought, Wow, I want to write about this, because its been my go-to medium.
I just got in there, and threw a camera on my shoulder, and took off.
Cooper was encouraged to make the film by Leoni, a longtime friend.
I knew the film had to be made and I knew he had to make it.
Man Made uses the bodybuilding competition as an opportunity to explore the lives and stories of Coopers subjects.
How did the newbie director go about earning the trust of the men?
Yeah, thats a good question, says Cooper.
I think that being trans myself was very important to the subjects.
There was an instant rapport with them.
Leoni recalls that she felt a mix of emotions when she saw a rough cut of the film.
I was sort of awestruck, she says.
There is resistance to people who are simply just trying to exist in the world, to coexist.
This is an important story.
Frankly, it was really, truly a deep honor to be involved.
Man Madewill receive its world premiere at the Atlanta Film Festival, April 22.
Watch an exclusive teaser for the film, above.
