AceShowbiz - Brian is a narrative feature competing at SXSW, directed by Will Ropp and written by Mike Scollins. The film follows Brian, a smart and funny teenager whose mental health struggles overshadow his true potential, especially when compared to his effortlessly cool older brother.

At school, Brian secretly admires Brooke, a kind and intelligent teacher, making his feelings complicated and unrequited. His life spirals further after a disastrous audition for the drama club triggers one of his signature public meltdowns. This event sparks Brian’s quest to find a new passion, leading him to run for class president—an unlikely and challenging choice.

With the guidance of his therapist and support from a new student named Justin, Brian embarks on a high-stakes campaign. The journey is awkward, messy, and deeply personal, as Brian navigates the complicated path toward self-acceptance and understanding.

At a panel discussion featuring Will Ropp, Ben Wang, Randall Park, Edi Patterson, and Natalie Morales, Wang described the film as a "Gen Z Charlie Brown." He explained that Brian embodies an archetypal kid who, despite being labeled a "loser" in some sense, faces every possible hardship a young person might encounter simultaneously.

The film premiered on March 14, 2026, and is represented by the sales agents CAA and Gersh. It was featured in a Deadline Studio presentation at SXSW, sponsored by Redbreast Irish Whiskey.

"What I like, really, about this movie overall is, I think of it like 'Gen Z Charlie Brown'. This is an archetypal sort of—'loser' is a strong word—but he's an archetypal kid trying to figure it out," Wang shared during the panel.

Brian offers a poignant look at youth, mental health, and the search for identity through an unfiltered Gen Z lens, making it a compelling entry in the 2026 SXSW Narrative Feature Competition.