BROTHERHOOD Is Coming: Craftsman Films Wraps Its Powerful Cinematic Musical Ahead of Fall 2026 Theatrical Release

Mauricio Martínez, Casey Elliott, Gabriela Bañuelos, Cody Bobay, and Charlotte Hemmings lead a powerful story about empathy, identity, neighbors, and the human connection we keep forgetting matters.

Wepa, fam this one got soul in the engine.

Craftsman Films has officially wrapped principal photography on BROTHERHOOD: A Cinematic Musical, the timely new feature written, composed, and directed by Ross Boothe. Filmed entirely on location in Utah, the movie is set for a limited theatrical release on October 2, 2026.

The cast comes locked and loaded with talent: Emmy-winning Broadway veteran Mauricio Martínez, acclaimed stage and screen actor Casey Elliott of GENTRI fame, plus Cody Bobay, Gabriela Bañuelos, and Charlotte Hemmings stepping into key roles.

“This project is deeply personal to me. As an immigrant, this story hits very close to home right now. It’s about people, about heart, and about empathy and music is such a powerful way to communicate those things. That’s what moved me most about BROTHERHOOD.” Mauricio Martínez

BROTHERHOOD follows two neighbors whose lives become deeply connected: Jon, a lifelong American citizen, and Fabián, a Mexican immigrant waiting more than a decade for his U.S. asylum application to be resolved. From there, the film digs into what happens when people stop seeing each other as headlines, labels, or arguments and start seeing each other as human beings.

“I felt compelled to use what I do to say something meaningful about how we treat one another. Once the script and score came together, it was clear that the story needed artists who could communicate that heart honestly. Mauricio, Casey, and the entire cast bring that humanity to every scene.” Ross Boothe, Writer-Director

With 17 original musical numbers, all written by Boothe, BROTHERHOOD blends music, faith, compassion, identity, and emotional storytelling without turning the whole thing into a political screaming match. Imagine less cable-news chaos, more “look your neighbor in the eye and remember they got a story too.”

The film’s creative team also brings real representation behind the camera. Four major above-the-line creatives cinematographer Oscar Ignacio Jiménez, production designer Frida Oliva, costume designer Edurne Fernandez, and choreographer Alan Salazar are Mexican American, bringing personal experience and cultural truth to the production. Eleven department heads are women, and 36 of the 79 crew members identify as women.

“As a first generation Mexican American, this story resonated with me on a personal level. As a son of immigrants, I want the frame to honor the dignity, complexity, and humanity of these characters. My hope is that the cinematography would invite audiences to see beyond headlines and assumptions, and connect with the characters at the heart of the story.” Oscar Ignacio Jiménez, Cinematographer.

“The subject matter is sensitive and can feel polarizing, but what surprised me was how human the story is. It isn’t about politics it’s about seeing people for who they are and learning to love your neighbor.” Casey Elliott

The production filmed entirely in Utah with support from the Utah Film Commission.

“We were thrilled to support BROTHERHOOD: A Cinematic Musical filming in Utah. Our state has always been a destination for filmmakers seeking iconic locations and world-class talent, but Utah is also a place that champions creative storytelling that inspires audiences.” Virginia Pearce, Director of the Utah Film Commission

At the end of the day, BROTHERHOOD looks like it’s coming for the heart first and honestly, that’s where the best stories live.

BROTHERHOOD: A Cinematic Musical opens in theaters Fall 2026.

For more information, visit www.brotherhoodmovie.com and follow @brotherhoodmusical on Instagram.

About Craftsman Films: Craftsman Films is the brainchild of indie film producer, Daren Smith. After producing  multiple successful independent films including Faith of Angels (starring John Michael  Finley) and Amy Redford’s What Comes Around, Smith turned his attention to building a values-based, family-friendly film ecosystem designed for cultural impact and long-term profitability. In 2025, he introduced Producer Fund I, a film fund slated to produce 10 independent movies that change people, spark conversations, and deliver outsized results. Smith is a noted thought leader in the independent film community and was most recently featured by Editor-in-Chief, Dana Harris-Bridson, in IndieWire magazine.