In Joy Brown, Eduardo Montes-Bradley delves into the life and artistry of an American sculptor deeply influenced by the ancient ceramic traditions of China and Japan. From her home studio in Connecticut, Joy Brown reflects on her early experiences in the East, shaped by the legacy of her missionary parents and grandparents who lived in China and Japan. Growing up between these two cultures, she blends their influences into her work, producing powerful bas-reliefs, panels, murals, and statues crafted from clay and bronze, all of which resonate with reflections on human nature.

Over a period of three years, Montes-Bradley immerses himself in Joy’s creative journey, capturing the collaborative essence behind her distinctive bronze and ceramic sculptures. The film highlights the voices of her closest collaborators and takes the audience to the mountains of Wakayama, where her mentor, Shige Morioka, practices his craft. It also follows Joy to a studio near Shanghai, where a dedicated team of artisans bring her monumental bronze sculptures to life, and features private collectors like Dave Matthews, who share their deep connection to her work.

Joy Brown presents an intimate portrayal of an artist whose passion for simplified human forms and a deeply humanistic view of nature comes alive on screen. The film is set for submission to festivals this Fall.​​​​  60 minutes | 2025 release

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A film made possible with the support of the

David & Ashley MATTHEWS Elizabeth GILMORE and Dale McDONALD

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Executive Producers

Joy BROWN and Eduardo MONTES-BRADLEY

Paul CHALEFF Shige MORIOKA Dave MATTHEWS Genki NAGATA

Jimmy GRIFFIN Tomomi ODAJIMA Ellen Marsh BECKER Heidi M. LLOYD

Margaret MOORHEAD Norma GRIER Christine OWEN

Bruce HOGAN Naoko OJIO Deb LECCE Bill FISHER Michael WARD

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Significant support for this film has come from

THE DOCUMENTARY FILM FUND 

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Written, Edited, and Directed by

Eduardo MONTES-BRADLEY

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