About the Film
Joel from Fresno follows the extraordinary journey of Joel Stetler—a husband, father, third-grade teacher, drummer, and long-distance runner whose battle with a rare terminal cancer became a testament to hope, resilience, and the power of community.
At the heart of the film is Joel’s once-in-a-lifetime moment on stage with the multi-platinum rock band The Killers. What began as a spontaneous act of courage became a profound, unforgettable experience—one that encapsulates his entire philosophy on life.
At its core, Joel from Fresno is a celebration of living boldly, taking seemingly insurmountable chances, embracing pain, and finding purpose even in the face of a rare terminal illness. Through intimate interviews, archival footage, and poetic storytelling, the film honors Joel’s journey—not as a man fighting cancer but as someone who refused to let the weight of his diagnosis define him.
CAST
Our not-so-ordinary hero. A 41-year-old husband, devoted father, third grade teacher, and overnight rockstar. He’s the heart of our story—the embodiment of kindness, courage, passion, and an unbreakable spirit. He is a man who refuses to let his circumstances define him. He finds joy in the beat of a drum, in the rhythm of his own two feet as they meet the pavement, and in the palpable love for his wife Amanda and their three children.
Joel is not just fighting cancer. He is seizing every waking moment. His journey is one of defiance against time and mortality, proving that even in the face of the unknown, we can still build a life and a legacy that is truly unforgettable.
Joel Stetler
She is Joel’s lifelong partner, anchor, and his greatest source of strength.
Amanda reminds us that Joel's cancer journey is not a solitary one. Just as powerful as Joel's courage is Amanda's unwavering love and partnership even in the face of crushing adversity.
Amanda is the emotional backbone of the family and the rock that keeps the Stetlers moving forward, even as life throws indomitable challenges their way.
Amanda Stetler
The living proof of Joel’s love, his legacy, and his reason to keep pushing forward. They represent the future, the ones who will carry his rhythm long after the final note is played.
Through their eyes, we see the weight of his journey but also the joy, humor, and resilience he’s instilled in them. They are not just his children; they are his greatest audience, his biggest fans, and the ones who will remember him not for his illness but for the way he lived—with passion, bravery, and an unstoppable beat.
Layla, Milo, & Drake
A two-time cancer survivor, distance runner, and close friend to Joel. It was originally Phil’s idea to try and convince Joel to play with The Killers.
Phil
A longtime friend to Joel and Amanda, it was Jordan’s chance encounter that enabled the entire story to happen…
Jordan
Brandon Flowers and Ronnie Vannucci Jr., frontman and drummer for the multiplatinum rockband, The Killers. The men behind megahits like “Mr. Brightside,” “All These Things That I’ve Done,” “Somebody Told Me,” and more.
The tradition of letting fan drummers play has rested in the hands of these two men since 2018 when the ritual began. For more than 6 years more than 100 fans have had a chance to join their musical idols on stage for one of the biggest moments of their lives.