Set in the working-class neighborhoods of Brooklyn during the turbulent days of 2001, Martyr of Gowanus follows a young man named Gavin as he searches for purpose in a rapidly changing world. Gavin’s life shifts when he strikes up an unlikely friendship with a Dominican teenager named Angel. He teaches Angel how to fish and finds himself drawn to Angel’s sister, Mercedes. But when she rejects him, his growing sense of isolation deepens. Then, the world changed forever on September 11. In the aftermath of the attacks, Gavin’s loneliness and frustration turn to rage, leaving him torn between helping a friend in danger or pursuing a much darker path.
Writer and director Brian Meere blends fictional storytelling with archival footage from 9/11 to build a layered portrait of a city and a generation caught between loss and resilience. The result is a raw, character-driven drama that explores grief, identity, and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy. Audiences can expect a high-energy New York story populated by complex, diverse characters and moments of tenderness and violence, all set against one of American history’s most emotionally charged events.
“The film is semi-autobiographical,” Meere shares. “I was a young man living in New York on the morning of September 11, and like many others, I felt a deep anger. I had questions about what it means to have courage. Over the years, that idea kept growing as I watched story after story about men lashing out with violence. I wanted to make something that explores that mindset but challenges it.”
At its core, Martyr of Gowanus is a film about choices. Meere wants viewers to reflect on the cycle of violence and how often it stems from unresolved pain or isolation. “Violence is never the answer,” he says. “There has to be a better way. And we must talk about how anger gets misdirected, especially in young men.”
Its stylistic blend of fiction and real historical events sets the film apart. By incorporating footage from 9/11 and the early 2000s, the film roots its story in reality while exploring its emotional truths through narrative. The result is a unique, hybrid approach that aims to ground the viewer in time and place.
This is Meere’s first film as a director, but he’s no stranger to the screen. With over 25 years of experience producing unscripted television documentaries and series, he decided it was time to take a creative leap. “I reached a point in my career where I didn’t want to have any regrets about not making a movie,” he says. “I also wanted to show my kids that they can accomplish something difficult if they believe in themselves and the project.”
Making the film came with challenges—I named fundraising as the most difficult part of the process. “No one is out there saying, ‘Let’s give Brian Meere money to make a movie,’” he jokes. However, he mentions his gratitude to the friends and family who invested in this project and brought it to life.
“The most rewarding part was seeing the footage come together in the edit room. That’s when it started to feel like a real movie.”
Casting was also crucial to the film’s success. With many speaking roles, Meere wanted to work with SAG actors and brought on a strong casting director to assemble a talented group of New York performers. The lead role, Gavin, was especially critical to get right. Meere found his anchor in actor Sawyer Spielberg, whose performance grounds the film’s emotional arc.
“I knew the lead had to carry so much of the story,” Meere explains. “Sawyer brought sensitivity and strength for which I was grateful.”
Behind the scenes, Meere credits several key collaborators with bringing the film to life, including director of photography Joey Dwyer, lead actor Sawyer Spielberg, and editor and producer Eyal Dimant. “There were moments I didn’t think we could pull this off,” Meere admits. “But they kept me going. Their belief in the project was everything.”
While Martyr of Gowanus is deeply rooted in the streets and spirit of New York, Meere now lives in Ohio and previously spent time in Kansas. “This is a New York story,” he says, “but I believe it will resonate even more strongly with people in the middle of the country than it might on the coasts. It’s about finding common ground and understanding people who may seem different.”
That perspective makes the film a natural fit for the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. Meere first heard about JDIFF through a friend of actor Sawyer Spielberg, who described it as one of the best festival experiences she’d ever had. He submitted the film soon after and was thrilled to be accepted.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the JDIFF lineup,” Meere says. “The staff has been so kind and welcoming, and I can’t wait to share our film with this community.”
As for what he hopes audiences take away from the film, Meere wants to spark dialogue about the continued impact of that time in history and the importance of empathy. “This is a film that looks back, but it also speaks to where we are right now,” he says. “I hope it encourages people to have more compassion for others and to take a second look at our choices when we’re hurting.”
Martyr of Gowanus is one of many thought-provoking films showcased at JDIFF 2025, a festival known for supporting independent voices and meaningful storytelling. The film exemplifies the bold, profoundly human work that JDIFF audiences have come to expect. With its mix of personal history, political tension, and emotional depth, this debut feature is a powerful addition to the festival’s lineup.
Follow the film on Instagram at @martyrofgowanus and visit the official site at www.martyrofgowanusfilm.com (coming soon).
