Steve Hoover’s debut documentary Blood Brother has done wonders so far, sweeping up awards at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival (the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award). It is a profound documentary, an unusual and intensely personal film, it works more on the emotional level then on the fact-finding one. The documentary raises more questions than it answers.

It is a truly inspiring film showcasing Hoover’s longtime friend Rocky Bratt’s journey of self-discovery. While travelling in India, Rocky comes across an orphanage/care center for women and children with HIV and AIDS. After spending some time there, he continues his trip but can’t shake the children from his mind. He decides to return to the care center until his tourist visa expires. Upon his return to the states “Rocky Anna” (as the children living at the orphanage call him, meaning ‘brother Rocky’) no longer feels connected to the US, the lifestyle no longer holds much appeal for him. He is bored and seemingly depressed while in Pittsburgh. His mind is with the children in Chennai, India.

Rocky only aspires to one thing; to return to the Care Center. This is more or less where Hoover brings us into the story, deciding to accompany Braat back on his return visit to India to see what all the fuss is about and to document his work there. Who funds the orphanage? Who provides the children’s medication? Who else is taking care of the kids? What happen to Surya? What are the lives of those in the neighboring village really like?

On one hand, one could raise the question and wonder if Steve Hooper missed the boat. On the other the director gives us a fresh, vibrant look at Braat’s new mission in life. It is a wonderful story about conviction of the heart and the passion to serve those in need.

When asked about fund raising, the director had this to say:

“The funding of this film is quite unique. It was all supported through donations. This means we have no debt and no one to pay back for the film, allowing any/all of the proceeds from the film to be used to help support the orphanage and the children with HIV in India, as well as supporting Rocky and his continuing efforts.”

Christophe Chanel