Bernardo and Diego lived what many would call a dream—surfing perfect waves and being deeply connected to the ocean. However, they also endured immense hardship, raising themselves after being abandoned at a young age. Yet, despite having so little, they found joy and built lives full of meaning. Their story isn’t about wealth or titles but about the incredible power of gratitude, family, and a deep connection to nature. Watching them grow from orphans to loving fathers was a journey I knew had to be told—because it challenges us all to rethink what success means.

Director’s Vision for ‘Brothers of the Sea’

I developed a connection with the two characters in the film (Bernardo & Diego) because I spent a portion of my childhood growing up in a small fishing village on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Growing up alongside them in Mexico had a transformational effect on how I view the world and has been a unique source of inspiration in my life and work. It opened my eyes to how culture can shape our outlook on life and affect how we answer life’s most important questions.

We shared many surf sessions and bonded over our love for the ocean. In one way, they lived the dream, surfing perfect waves all day and living by the sea. But, they had also been abandoned by their parents forcing them to grow up fast and support themselves from a young age. It never seemed fair that they had to grow up in such challenging situations, but I always admired their positive attitude amid such struggles.

It always struck me how on the one hand they grew up with so little but on the other hand, had so much. They didn’t have many of the same material resources or familial support that many of my peers and I in the U.S. did, but they had a sense of contentment that so many lacked. Reflecting on this as I grew up caused me to wrestle with the question, “What is success?” In juxtaposing my experiences between Mexico and the U.S. I realized how much our culture & environment can influence our perspective of success.

For myself, success can often bring to mind topics of career, finances, or influence. However, when I step back and spend time surrounded by what matters most (close friends/family, and nature) I’m able to clearly see what matters most in life. This perspective was a valuable lesson I learned from spending time with Bernardo and Diego, and something I hope to share through this film.

Seeing Bernardo & Diego go from orphans scraping by to put a roof over their head to integral members in their communities, running businesses, and now having families and two young sons of their own has been a beautiful transition to witness and one of those stories I just had to tell.

I hope to inspire people to step back and reflect on how the environment they are immersed in shapes their perspective of success and what it looks like to live a meaningful life.