Chaotic Neutral Pictures

Brave is a quirky slice of life comedy drama that examines death and how it defines our responsibilities to the living. Protagonist, Jack, is a relatable loser ostensibly content in his rut, but hiding deep existential pain behind his sharp wit as a comic - his catchphrase... "Shit Happens".

After the death of his war hero brother, and a near fatal motorcycle accident, Jack is forced into sobriety and given a chance to stay that way. However, it reveals a more grave concern. Jack's world comes crashing down as his drinking has ruined his last chance of being a hero. His life in the bottle prevents him from being a donor for his niece, and he considers ending it all, but his niece and community are not ready to give up on him, yet.

Through stubborn effort and the naive hope of his niece, Jack recovers to find he is still funny, sober, and loved, and he begins to make amends and plans for an uncertain future with Jillian - no matter how short it may be. He is able to take the stage and celebrate a comeback, sober, with an act the audience wasn't expecting, and a new look on an old saying. Learning from his father, family and friends, he decides that, yes, fate is unyielding, but it's up to him to find, and make, happiness in the moment.

Current Cast

Dallas
Goldtooth

Jack

Graham
Greene

Pops

Wes Studi

Ernie

Amber Midthunder

Sharleen

Sten Joddi

Trey

Mike Bone

Landry & Baggett

Casting Partner

Midthunder Casting

Meet The Director

STEVEN PAUL JUDD

Photo Credit: Greer inez

Steven Paul Judd is Kiowa and Choctaw from Oklahoma. He is an award-winning, director, screenwriter, and visualist. His credits include writing original pilots for HBO, Universal Content Productions and Jordan Peel's Monkey Paw. He has served as a writer producer on Echo, Dark Winds, and Zeke and Luther. Judd has directed features and episodic television, including the latest season of Dark Winds.

Judd’s filmography is large in scope and provides a unique perspective on and from within Native American culture today. His innovative approach provides a glimpse into a world that is familiar to the underrepresented first peoples of this nation and simultaneously brings about a fresh perspective and understanding among the non-Indian community through humor.

He is also a prolific visualist whose mash-ups of Native experiences and American pop culture are sly and often downright funny. His creations include paintings, prints, poster art, photography, and apparel designs for Nike, Vans, and Faherty.

Steven Paul Judd Instagram

MEET OUR TRIBAL PARTNER

CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA

The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 225,000 tribal members and 12,000-plus associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 13,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity.

“This film represents a historic milestone for our Tribe. It’s a powerful step forward in our efforts to defend sovereignty, ensuring our stories are told authentically by our own people. It also provides a platform for Choctaws to see themselves represented on screen, fostering pride and connection to their heritage,” Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton said. “The production will also bring economic opportunity to communities in southeast Oklahoma, supporting local businesses and showcasing the beauty of our land.”

Choctaw Chief Gary Batton

Brave is a collaboration with the Choctaw Nation and will feature the culture and people from the tribe on and off camera as the film will be filmed on Choctaw land in Durant, Oklahoma, at and around the Choctaw Resort and Casino in 2025.

Steven Paul Judd, the director is Kiowa/Choctaw and will coordinate with the tribe throughout the development and filming process to ensure the culture integrity of the story set in the tribal setting. The film will be financed in part by the Choctaw nation and supporters of the tribe.