28th THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL
5 MARCH → 15 MARCH 2026
Programme Sections: Views of the World

USA 2012 93 HDCam Color
Rocky went to India as a tourist. When he met a group of children with HIV, he decided to stay and devote his life to them. This unmistakable power of love is celebrated in this story of one man’s decision to move to India and restart his life among the dispossessed. “Rocky Anna” (as the children living at an orphanage for those infected with HIV call him, which means ‘brother Rocky’) was dissatisfied with his life in America. Having grown up without a close-knit family of his own, he found his calling living and working with kids in need. Unlike others who simply passed through their lives, Rocky stayed, dedicating himself to their health and well-being. Despite formidable challenges, his playful spirit and determination in the face of despair proves to be an invaluable resource. Blood Brother – a documentary feature directed by Rocky’s longtime friend Steve Hoover – traces Rocky’s story of working in the Tamil Nadu region, India for the past five years. The film illustrates his commitment to the children and their families who face life and death situations on a daily basis.
Awards
US Documentary Grand Jury Prize, Audience Award – Sundance FF 2013, USA