District is Buzzing About 'Ballou' Documentary

October 2, 2007 - 9:20am

WASHINGTON - The buzz is increasing about "Ballou," a documentary film about the Ballou High School Marching Band and the trials, tribulations and triumphs the squad has seen over the last few years.

The school in Southeast has no doubt seen its share of tragedies. Whether it's about fights inside school hallways, or a student who's been shot and killed, Ballou High School is often in the media, but for all the wrong reasons.

"Well, the band itself is definitely the focus of the documentary and we set out to challenge that negative image a little bit," says Casey Callister, the producer of "Ballou."

Mayor Adrian Fenty and Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee hosted a special screening of the film Monday night at E Street Cinemas downtown.

The film, which is still in post production, has also been submitted to the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and will likely be featured at the 2008 A.F.I. Silverdocs Film Festival in Silver Spring.

This Thursday, the director of the Ballou Marching Band will be featured on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." Callister says Ballou students should get ready for a big surprise from Ellen herself during Thursday's broadcast.

WASHINGTON - The buzz is increasing about "Ballou," a documentary film about the Ballou High School Marching Band and the trials, tribulations and triumphs the squad has seen over the last few years.

"Well, the band itself is definitely the focus of the documentary and we set out to challenge that negative image a little bit," says Casey Callister, the producer of "Ballou."

Mayor Adrian Fenty and Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee hosted a special screening of the film Monday night at E Street Cinemas downtown.

The film, which is still in post production, has also been submitted to the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and will likely be featured at the 2008 A.F.I. Silverdocs Film Festival in Silver Spring.

< Back