Rocky Braat, a young man from a fractured family and a troubled past, went traveling through India without a plan. Then he met a group of HIV positive children living in an orphanage — a meeting that changed everything for him.

Rocky left his life, friends, and career in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to live with the kids. Steve Hoover, his best friend and filmmaker, was unsettled and intrigued by this drastic action. In an effort to find out what compelled Rocky to give up every source of stability in his life, Hoover decided to trace Rocky’s story, following him to India.

He witnessed Rocky and the kids endure disease, abject poverty, and death. But, strangest of all, in the midst of these troubles, he also saw their deep joy.  And he came to understand why Rocky had given up everything he had to experience it.

‘Blood Brother’ is a story of friendship. It’s a story of a life, stripped down to its essence. Most of all, it is a story about love, enduring in the face of death.

All Filmmaker Proceeds Are Donated to the Children Seen in the Film and to HIV/AIDS Initiatives

 

AWARDS

WINNER Sundance 2013 Grand Jury Prize

WINNER Sundance 2013 Audience Award

WINNER Hot Docs 2013 Audience Award

WINNER Thessaloniki Documentary Festival Audience Award, International Section

WINNER Atlanta 2013 Audience Award for Best Feature

WINNER Milano Film Festival Awards Best Documentary

WINNER Gdansk Documentary Festival Audience Award

WINNER Big Sky Documentary Festival Best Feature

WINNER Kansas International Film Festival Audience Award

WINNER Crested Butte Festival Audience Award

WINNER Crested Butte Festival ACT Award

WINNER Thin Line Documentary Festival Audience Award

NOMINEE Cinema for Peace Most Valuable Documentary of the Year

NOMINEE Milano Film Festival Awards Best Editing

QUOTES

“A truly beautiful film about the power of love” Morgan Spurlock, Super Size Me

“This film shook us to our very core… It is a delicate character study. Exuberant. Heartbreaking. Transcendent. And profoundly, moving.” Davis Guggenheim, Inconvenient Truth, Waiting for Superman

“Blood Brother is a remarkable film…I suggest you check it out. It is inspiring” Jeff Bridges, True Grit, Iron Man, The Big Lebowski

“Reveals the vastness of one human heart. A remarkable story.” Rob Epstein, Academy Award Winning Director

“Documentaries don’t come any bigger-hearted — almost from the get-go, is so engaging and joyful that word of mouth could well make it a viable theatrical proposition.” Dennis Harvey, Variety

“An incisive and compassionate documentary that’s as much a transformative experience for audiences as it was for the filmmakers. Steve Hoover’s film is among those rare, independently produced documentaries that could really go the distance in theatrical and ancillary with dedicated distributor support.” Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter

“It’s an incredibly moving and inspiring debut feature, about a young American man who moves to India where he works with kids in need, that we knew nothing about before it was submitted to us. If anyone doubts that their film could ever get into Sundance without any connections, they should think again. This film just rose up among the thousands of submissions. The cream really does rise to the top.” David Courier, Sundance Film Festival Senior Programmer

“Ultimately, Blood Brother is a triumph…There really is something here for everyone — and we wouldn’t be surprised if Blood Brother went on to achieve amazing things on big and little screens alike. Keep an eye out; this is one documentary you cannot afford to miss.” Jade Turner, Bring the Noise UK

“Blood Brother’ is all about the power of giving. Its strength comes from an insiders look not so much into the harsh realities of India’s poverty & AIDS but at how the hurt & neglect within one man’s life can be turned upside down & around. A film about the importance of family & the transformative power of love, blood ties are one thing but Steve Hoover shows us how real family can come about via unexpected connections & devotion.” John Hillcoat, Director The Road, Lawless

“In this age of hyper self-obsession Blood Brother exudes the awesome dignity of the quietly selfless and reminds us how beautiful, and tragic, the human condition can be. I found it an incredibly moving, humble and brilliant piece of film making.” Atticus Ross, Composer Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network

“Its one of my favorite films that we’ve had screen. I watched it in October and I honestly thought about it every day since. It just impacted me that much.” Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Director of Programming, Travis Morss

“With its astonishing story and fantastic editing, Blood Brother is an extraordinary documentary that will shock, inspire and leave you close to tears. Highly recommended.” Jennifer Tate, ViewLondon

 “If you see no other film this year, see this one.” Filmuforia

“Life-Affirming Documentary Has High Oscar Hopes” Shaun Monro, What Culture

“…this emotional journey is utterly life-affirming, humbling and inspiring.” Becky Reed, DIY

“Every now and then, a film comes along that wallops you sideways and makes you rethink your life. Blood Brother is one of them.” Ivan Radford, I-Flicks

“…this is one documentary you cannot afford to miss.” Jade Turner. Bring the Noise UK

“Rocky has worn us down, our cynicism faded, stiff upper lip softened and faith in human kindness partially restored.” Matthew Walsh, The Peoples Movies

“It is quite possibly one of the most moving documentaries I have ever seen and one that I won’t soon forget.” Luke Owen, Flickering Myth

“Heart strings will be tugged on.” Blake Williams, BlogTo

“I am confident this is one of the year’s best films…” Amir Soltani, The Film Experience

“Blood Brother is bound to have viewers hooked with its opening scene.” Cinemablographer

“This doc is as moving as some of the best dramas released this year without the manipulative benefits of plot convenience.” Daniel Janvier, Toronto Film Scene