The true story of a disabled artist who sets out to create a comic book celebrating the protectors in his life: his late father and his martial arts hero.
brothers
protect each other
After the loss of their parents, twin brothers Chris and Anthony find themselves on a new path: Chris, a disabled adult with Cerebral Palsy, is living on his own for the first time. His brother Anthony grapples with his own shifting identity and purpose after assuming guardianship over Chris’s life.
artists
protect each other
In recent years, Chris has created more than 300 paintings with the help of an Indianapolis-based artist named Megan Jefferson - paintings of his favorite characters from comic books and sci-fi movies like Star Wars. Chris and Megan have a YouTube channel called The Art of Painting showcasing their unique artistic process which allows Chris to express his creativity despite his physical challenges. Thanks to Megan’s support and some breakthrough AI-powered accessibility tools, Chris is ready to bring his imagination to life in pages and panels.
friends
protect each other
With his brother Anthony by his side and the mentorship of a local comic shop owner, Chris is launching his first-ever comic book: Protectors League. Inspired by his late father, Thomas, and the everyday heroes who shaped his life, the project is a tribute to those who are protectors—and a challenge to become one himself.
To bring his vision to the world, Chris must confront more than blank pages. He must battle self-doubt, honor the wisdom of his father and martial arts sensei, and embrace the ultimate lesson: that true strength begins with believing in your own story.
The Protectors documentary began production in Indianapolis in the spring of 2025 and follows Chris and Anthony as they embark on a creative journey of brotherhood, resilience, and hope.
What starts as a modest idea—to make a comic book—quickly becomes something much bigger. As Chris begins crafting Protectors League, he’s not just painting heroes on the canvas; he’s discovering the hero within himself. Along the way, the brothers revisit childhood memories, confront the grief of losing their father, and redefine what it means to protect one another through creativity, vulnerability, and love.
Filmed with heart and cinematic intimacy, The Protectors offers a rare, uplifting glimpse into the life of a disabled artist using emerging AI tools to bring his vision to life—on his own terms. It’s a film about family, legacy, and the stories we tell to keep going when life gets difficult. Audiences will laugh, cheer, and root for Chris as he turns doubt into determination, panel by panel.
