*
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    


Podcat

4BR Podcast: Are you not entertained?

November 10 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look at the wider questions surrounding brass band entertainment — and you can have your opinion heard...


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert previews on offer

November 10 • Some of the bands will be providing a sneak preview of their entertainment programmes ahead of their trips to Gateshead.


Marc Reift

Editions Marc Reift publishes 100,000th title

November 10 • Music publishers Editions Marc Reift has just reached a remarkable milestone.


Brass in Concert

VIP tickets up for grabs at Brass in Concert

November 10 • There is a chance to get two of the very best seats in the house and enjoy a VIP experience at Brass in Concert by helping a fantastic cause — but you need to be generous and quick...


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Hade Edge Band

November 5 • Hade Edge Band are looking to recruit Front Row Cornets, position negotiable to complete our line up for next years Area contest. The band rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday at 7.45pm till 9.45pm in our fantastic purpose built bandroom.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd