“Blood Brother” is one of those documentaries that will restore your faith in the human race, and I’m proud to be able to write about it and spread the word. Just by seeing it, you will automatically give back to people in need. Read on…
The film tells the story of Rocky Braat, a young American man who went to India as a disillusioned tourist. He didn’t expect to get to know a group of kids with HIV at an orphanage. In fact, he didn’t think he even liked kids or that he liked getting close to people. Having endured a difficult childhood, Rocky never saw himself as someone who would do anything extraordinary.
But after working several regular jobs, he thought, “I was making lots of money, but I wasn’t making an impact on anything really. That bothered me.”
So, when he met those children in India, his life would be forever changed. He decided to stay in the village of Tamil Nadu and devote his life to them. The children there refer to him as “Rocky Anna” – “Anna” is an endearment that means “big brother.”
Certainly, some of the film’s footage is harrowing and bitterly heartbreaking; you will need tissues. But there’s also so much sweetness and genuine outpouring of love in the movie that you’ll be very glad you watched it.
Besides, ALL proceeds from screenings of the film will go to the children and the orphanage.
The film was directed by Steve Hoover, who has been friends with Rocky for years. He wanted to tell the story of the most recent five years of Rocky’s life, as well as what the people in Tamil Nadu endure every day. The filmmaker put himself in the story, too, because he was also transformed as a result of spending time with the children and observing his friend’s moving sacrifices.
The documentary has won a host of awards at film festivals, including both the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
“Blood Brother” opened at Landmark Sunshine Cinema in New York City on Oct. 18, 2013 and will open at Laemmle Royal in Los Angeles on Oct. 25. Special, one-night only engagements in over 50 other cities are happening in the coming weeks in collaboration with Tugg.com. To find showtimes in your city or to host your own screening, visit the Blood Brother page on Tugg.
Try not to miss this one! It’s right up there among the most moving documentaries I’ve ever seen – and that’s saying a lot.
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