Filmfest DC Opening Night: Screening of “The Marching Band”

Synospis: The Marching Band is an irresistibly heartwarming dramedy that follows the crossed paths of two protagonists: Thibaut, a world-renowned conductor living a seemingly charmed life, and Jimmy, an ordinary factory worker who plays the trombone in a local marching band. When Thibaut learns of his potentially life-threatening illness, a blood compatibility test opens up unexpected horizons. He sets out to find his long-lost biological brother Jimmy, whom destiny has prevented from becoming a professional musician. Their relationship starts off on shaky footing, until they discover their shared love of music. When the band’s conductor quits, Jimmy signs up to start leading the group and enlists his brother to turn them into a well-tuned, prize-winning ensemble. French filmmaker Emmanuel Courcol premiered this crowd-pleasing and fraternal musical journey at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

Presented in French with English subtitles.

Duration: 103 mn followed by a live conversation and a reception.

Watch the trailer below:

About the conversation : After the film screening, stay for a special live conversation with two icons of Washington, D.C.’s cultural and cinematic scene: Tony Gittens, founder and director of the Washington, DC International Film Festival, and Arch Campbell, celebrated film and entertainment reporter.

Anthony (Tony) Gittens is Founder and Director of the Washington, DC International Film Festival, now in its 39th year. Tony served as Executive Director of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the official cultural agency of the District of Columbia. In recognition of his contributions, Tony has been presented with numerous acknowledgements, including Officer in the Order of Arts and Letters, French Ministry of Culture; the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Service to the Arts and Professor Emeritus of the University of the District of Columbia. He was profiled in the PBS Eyes on the Prize television series for his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.  

Arch Campbell has reported on movies, theater, entertainment, and the arts since the 1970’s. The Washington Post calls him a “local legend.” Campbell moved to DC from his native Texas in 1974, joining NBC owned WRC-TV News as a feature reporter.  He went on to create that station’s entertainment beat, hosting twice daily segments on the local news.  NBC syndicated Arch’s movie reviews nationally.  From 1985-1990, he hosted The Arch Campbell Show, a late-night comedy forum and ratings hit which won more than a dozen EMMY awards. Arch joined WJLA TV in 2007.  He appeared regularly on Washington, D.C. television for forty years.  In 2015 Washingtonian Magazine named him a “Washingtonian of the Year”. He has received the Mayor’s Arts Awards for coverage of Washington’s cultural scene.

About the Festival: Every year, the Washington, DC International Film Festival features many new and exciting films from across the globe, including from local filmmakers. This year, the festival returns with a fervor that reflects a collective love for films. The heart of the festival has always been driven by its attendees’ vibrant energy, each of whom has a unique perspective and a shared passion for films.

Security Rules: Each person attending the event must have a ticket registered in their name and a government-issued ID that matches the name on the reservation to enter the Embassy. No one will be admitted without a reservation and official ID. Due to strict security measures, please arrive on time, as doors will open at 6:30PM. Please allow extra time for security screenings. There will be no on-site parking at the Embassy.