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Movie Info & Details
Release Year2008
Runtime1h 30m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationNR
GenresDocumentary
Votes1
DirectorMichael Patrei
WritersMichael Patrei, Fernanda Rossi
TypeFeature Film
Rating8.0 out of 10
Cast9 credited
Also Known AsBallou
About Ballou
Ballou , a documentary film, follows the talented Washington, DC, Ballou Senior High School Marching Band, as they overcome their negative environment filled with guns, drugs, and violence, and uplift the community with music, dedication, and personal sacrifice. This Washington, DC, High School Marching Band--from an impoverished community just 3 miles away from the US Capitol building--is on its way to the national band competition. They are a family with heart and soul that use hard work, discipline, and compassion to overcome all obstacles. Political leaders and celebrities including Rev. Jesse Jackson, Gen (ret) Colin Powell, Congressman John Lewis, Marion Barry, Denyce Graves, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and Chuck Brown are featured in the film to show the importance of a small marching band in the lives the band members and in the community.
Directed by Michael Patrei, Ballou leans on a strong ensemble — Marion Barry, Chuck Brown, Lewis Franklin — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2008.
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