The filmmakers behind the musical film “Brotherhood” hope to inspire audiences to love their neighbors.
A conversation with a neighbor may seem small, but the filmmakers behind “Brotherhood” hope their cinematic musical inspires audiences to take that first step toward connection.
In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, producer Daren Smith and writer and director Ross Boothe discussed the film’s creation and its message of compassion in a divided America.
The story follows two men and their families — one a lifelong U.S. citizen and the other a Mexican immigrant who has spent more than a decade seeking asylum. As their lives intersect, the families begin to see, care for and support one another.
Boothe’s inspiration grew from his missionary service in the Texas San Antonio Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he lived in predominantly Mexican neighborhoods. His later work on documentary films and theatrical projects throughout Latin America strengthened those connections. As national conversations about immigration changed, he wanted to create something that could help people recognize their shared humanity.
Music became central to that effort. Boothe wrote the script and score in five weeks, using songs to express the characters’ emotions and deepen the relationships portrayed on screen.
Smith, who had known Boothe since their time at Brigham Young University roughly 20 years earlier, committed to the project after attending an early reading.
The filmmakers said the story’s impact began before filming. After the reading, one attendee invited a Mexican family living nearby to dinner, despite never having spoken with them before. Boothe hopes audiences will make similar efforts in their own communities.
“All it takes is five seconds of courage to begin a conversation with someone, and you never know what kind of beautiful things might emerge from that conversation,” Boothe said.
For Smith, producing the film also became an opportunity for personal growth. He said the experience helped him recognize his blind spots and encouraged him to greet, compliment and stand up for others.
“I’m one of the blessed few who have been changed by this movie, by the making of and of the watching of it,” Smith said.
Boothe said the film’s messages also shaped how the team worked together. The team emphasized kindness, patience, forgiveness, and humility throughout the production.
“I’ll just say that the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are on full display in the way we have created this film,” Boothe said.
“Brotherhood” comes out Friday in select theaters. For more information, visit brotherhoodmovie.com.
To request that “Brotherhood” come to a theater near you, visit brotherhoodmovie.com/requests.