Ryan DeForeest’s ‘My Brother & Me’ Enters Feature Development

By Elena Vasquez

Fusion Entertainment has signed writer-director Ryan DeForeest and begun developing a feature adaptation of his short film “My Brother & Me,” according to an exclusive Variety report. Variety identified Fusion Entertainment as a talent management and production company. The feature remains in development, with casting and an updated title to be revealed at a future date.

What has Fusion announced?

Variety reported that Fusion Entertainment started feature development after signing DeForeest. The announcement identifies the writer-director and source short. It establishes the adaptation’s creative direction but leaves production schedule, release date, casting and final title unresolved at this stage, before any further public announcements.

Takeaway: The deal starts a feature project; it does not yet set a release date, schedule, cast or final title.

What is the story?

The film’s official description says it follows:

“two brothers across three decades, from South Los Angeles to Oakland, as they grow up under their father, Allen. Malik, the older one, takes the brunt of Allen’s violence. Terrence, who is gay, grows up feeling invisible to him. As they become men, the only thing they’ve ever really had is each other, and even that isn’t guaranteed.”

Variety identified Zechariah Eubanks as Malik, the older brother, and Alexander Bello as Terrence. Malik bears more of their father Allen’s violence, while Terrence, who is gay, feels invisible to their father. Across three decades and two cities, Malik and Terrence face violence, invisibility and the uncertain survival of their brotherhood.

Fusion Entertainment co-founder Chris Evans said: “Ryan is a rare new voice whose filmmaking belongs right alongside our roster of distinctive auteurs with an unmistakable point of view. This story speaks to the experience of Black fatherhood, masculinity, queerness, and the complicated, tender dynamics of brotherhood.”

Takeaway: The feature’s core is a three-decade story of two brothers, a violent father and a bond that remains uncertain.

How far has the short traveled?

“My Brother & Me” premiered at the 2024 American Black Film Festival, Variety reported. Since then, the short has screened at the Micheaux Film Festival, the Oak Park Black Film Festival and NewFilmmakers Los Angeles. The short moved from a named festival premiere to three later festival screenings, giving the feature project a documented public history before any casting announcement.

The film received an outstanding short form (live action) nomination at the 56th NAACP Image Awards. Variety also reported two 2026 Best of NFMLA Awards nominations, for best short film (drama) and best cinematography. Together, the two award programs account for three nominations for the short.

Takeaway: Four named festivals and three award nominations precede the feature’s still-unannounced cast.

Who is making the feature?

Variety reported that Chris Evans and Adam Kersh will produce for Fusion Entertainment. Lexx Truss, who produced “My Brother & Me” with Shandrea Evans, will also produce the feature. Cinematographer Sade Ndya and composer Evan Wright are returning from the short.

The feature retains the short’s cinematographer and composer, while Truss’s role carries DeForeest’s first feature project back to the completed short and its producing team.

DeForeest said: “‘My Brother & Me’ started as a personal story made with some of my favorite people in the world. Seeing the journey this short has taken and having the opportunity to expand it into my first feature is something I never could have imagined.”

He continued: “I’m incredibly grateful to Chris and Adam for believing in the potential of this film and the many other stories I hope to tell. I’m so stoked to begin this next chapter with them and continue creating work that reflects the complexity and vulnerability of the communities I hold dear.”

Takeaway: The next two disclosures are the cast and an updated title; Variety reported no release date.