DEAR MR. BRODY

When 21-year-old hippie-millionaire Michael Brody Jr. decided to give away his $25-million fortune to anyone in need, he ignited a psychedelic spiral of events. Instant celebrities, Brody and his wife Renee, were mobbed by the public, scrutinized by the press, and overwhelmed by the crush of personal letters responding to his extraordinary offer. Fifty years later, an enormous cache of these letters are discovered--unopened. This is the incredible story of Michael Brody Jr.--and the countless struggling Americans who sought his help--to create a deeply moving meditation on desire, need, philanthropy, and love.

Through a captivating mix of archival footage, intimate letters from those who responded to his call for help, and inventive animations that bring Brody’s inner turmoil to life, Dear Mr. Brody explores the fine line between idealism and delusion. The film delves into the complexities of the American Dream, examining the dark side of fame, wealth, and mental health while painting a poignant portrait of a man who wanted to change the world, but was ultimately undone by it.

credits

DIRECTED BY: Keith Maitland 

PRODUCED BY: Megan Gilbride, Melissa Robyn Glassman, Keith Maitland, and Sarah Wilson 

CINEMATOGRAPHY BY: Sarah Wilson and Keith Maitland 

EDITOR: Austin Reedy 

COMPOSER: Osei Essed  

COLLAGES: John Mark Lapham

STILL PHOTOGRAPHY: Sarah Wilson 

VFX: Gary Walker 

GRAPHICS: Sam Klatt  

COLORIST: Parke Gregg  

SOUND DESIGN: Lyman Hardy III

CASTING: Vicky Boone 

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Leslie Berriman, Michael Bloom, Dan Cogan, Steve Cohen, Ian Darling, Geralyn White Dreyfus, Paula Frohle, Shep Gordon, Jon Katz, Lisa Leingang, Nion McEvoy, Debbie McLeod, Carolyn Pfeiffer, Edward R. Pressman, Jenny Raskin, Regina K. Scully, Jay K. Sears, and Maria Zuckerman (please list these in the order that they appeaar on the poster)

CONSULTANTS: Michael James Brody III and Renee Brody  

ARCHIVAL PRODUCERS: Adrienne Collatos and Rebecca Kent 

SUPERVISING PRODUCER: Jeff Seelbach

POST PRODUCTION: Stuck On On

awards

Dallas International Film Festival (2021) - Best Documentary 

Cinema Eye Honors (2023) - Nominee Outstanding Visual Design 

Tribeca Film Festival (2020) - Nominee Best Documentary Feature 

SXSW (2021) - Premier 

Telluride Film Festival (2021) - Official Selection 

Woodstock Film Festival (2020) - Official Selection

Director Keith Maitland talks candidly about the incredible story of Michael Brody Jr. and the making of Dear Mr. Brody. Hear first-hand about the letters that sparked the film, the decisions behind his creative choices, and his approach to storytelling.

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