BuzzFeed Brother Orange Documentary: A Tale of Friendship Across Continents

Bollywood Mascot: In Brother Orange, BuzzFeed’s Matt Stopera and his unexpected friendship with a Chinese man, Li Hongjun, come together in a heartwarming documentary that transcends cultural boundaries. Directed by Abe Forman-Greenwald, the film revisits an extraordinary story that began with a stolen phone in 2014 and led to an unlikely viral sensation, a deep cross-cultural bond, and personal revelations. This heartfelt documentary is set for a U.S. release in January 2025.

The documentary Brother Orange explores the fascinating and emotional journey between BuzzFeed writer Matt Stopera and Li Hongjun, the man known as “Brother Orange” in China. The story began when Matt’s phone was stolen in a New York City bar, only to later have mysterious photos of Li appear in his iCloud. As their story went viral in China, the two connected, sparking a deep friendship that surpassed language barriers. The bond only grew stronger when Matt visited Li in China, and during their time together, Matt also came out to his new friend. Their friendship endured despite the distance, and after the pandemic, Li recorded a message expressing his wish to reunite.

Directed by Abe Forman-Greenwald, Brother Orange offers a candid look at this unique friendship and its impact on both men. It highlights the power of human connection, even in the most unexpected situations. The film also touches on themes of identity, belonging, and the beauty of cross-cultural experiences.

Fans of heartwarming real-life stories will be eager to watch Brother Orange, available digitally in the U.S. this January.