Brother Orange – an inspiring true story featuring BuzzFeed’s Matt Stopera and “Brother Orange” Li Hongjun – launches on digital and cable VOD on January 21. Directed by Abe Forman-Greenwald, this documentary follows the remarkable chain of events that unfolded in 2014 when Matt’s phone was stolen in New York, only to resurface a year later in China. One viral post sparked an internet frenzy, leading Matt on a journey to locate the mysterious man in his iPhoto stream.
At its heart, Brother Orange dives deep into the unlikely friendship between Matt and Brother Orange. What begins as a high-tech mystery soon becomes a heartfelt cross-cultural connection, as media outlets spotlight their every move. The documentary captures their first meeting in China, Matt’s unexpected celebrity status, and the pair’s growing bond. Returning to the U.S., the film also reveals how Matt decides to share a personal truth with his new friend, demonstrating how trust can transcend distance, language, and background. Years later, a touching video message from Brother Orange reminds us all that genuine connections can last, even across oceans
