*
banner

Song for Hope heads for festival season

The story of the inspirational trumpet player Ryan Anthony has been turned into a film which will be shown at influential film festivals in the near future.

Song for Ryan
  The film is going to be featured at a number of influential film festivals

Song for Hope, the inspiring story of world renowned trumpet player Ryan Anthony and how his love of his art helped him and others in their personal journeys in the battle with terminal cancer, is heading for recognition at leading film festivals across the world.

Speaking to 4BR from Hollywood where he is currently working, writer Chris Haigh told 4BR that applications are being reviewed to show the film at the acclaimed Sundance and SXSW Festivals with the final touches to the soundtrack being made.

Raising millions

Chris said: "As 4BR readers know, Ryan was the principal trumpet with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. When diagnosed with a rare terminal blood cancer, he started a charity called 'CancerBlows' raising millions for cancer research by putting on huge music concerts with some of the greatest trumpet players in the world."

During his treatment, Ryan also climbed Mount Fuji alongside his oncologist and played his trumpet at the summit — an inspirational achievement that Chris said showed that he was determined to life live to the full and reflect the unwavering strength and support of family and friends.

Influential festivals

Now all that has been brought together with the film just about ready to be shown to audiences around the world, starting at the most influential festivals.

"Having worked on the film solidly with my colleagues Luke and Tara Wyatt for the past 2 and a half years, we are now reaching the finalizing process and will be taking it to the major festivals.

There are lots of documentaries about famous people such as Val Kilmer and Demi Lovato, but this film is about someone lesser known in the wider world but adored by our community. We need to be the ones to hold up our heroes to be seen by the wider world."

Having worked on the film solidly with my colleagues Luke and Tara Wyatt for the past 2 and a half years, we are now reaching the finalizing process and will be taking it to the major festivalsRyan Anthony

Soundtrack

He concluded: "Through all of this, our goal is to show people the power of music not just through the message, but through the soundtrack, the layout, pacing and structure.

Anthony Dilorenzo's soundtrack that was written to underscore our film is amazing, creatively fueled by his lifelong friendship with Ryan and his own successful battle against cancer.

It truly is a symphony that underscores 'Song For Hope' at points even interacting with the footage and music on the screen.

I hope people will be inspired when they get to see the full film, but we have also released a trailer which we hope gives a flavour. All I can ask is that people watch it see how it makes them feel."

Trailer: https://fb.watch/7O661TTRVd/

Website: https://www.songforhopemovie.com/

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band adds to conductor experience

October 11 • The Italian Brass Band has played its part in giving conductors a very different musical experience.


West Wales BBA

Report & Results: 2026 West Wales BBA Festival

October 11 • Parc & Dare continues its run of prize-winning form as Markham & District, Cwmtawe, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen and Llanharan & Bryncae Brass claim the honours in Cefneithin.


Elland

All ages of playing experience showcase excellence in Elland

October 11 • There was a super day of competitive solo, duet and quartet action on show at Elland Silver Band's popular event.


Stephen Cobb

Cobb to lead Kingdom Triumphant workshop

October 11 • Dr Stephen Cobb will lead a workshop on Eric Ball's iconic work — and its open to everyone to be part of for free.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Bedford Town Band - Autumn Concert also featuring our Academy

Saturday 10 October • Putnoe Heights Church. Putnoe Heights. Bedford MK41 8EB


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

October 11 • We are looking for a repiano cornet player to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts and contests all year round.


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd