French Film Review: En Fanfare

This poignant film traces a music conductor’s journey to reconnect with his estranged brother after a life-altering leukemia diagnosis.

Thibaut Desormeaux (Benjamin Lavernhe) is an internationally renowned conductor who collapses during a rehearsal and is diagnosed with acute leukaemia. As part of his medical tests, he discovers that he was adopted, and decides to seek out his biological younger brother, Jimmy Lecocq (Pierre Lottin), who works in a school cafeteria and plays trombone in a local marching band. Despite their contrasting lives, their shared passion for music bridges the gap between them and testifies to the healing power of music. Courcol’s direction, coupled with Lavemhe and Lottin’s compelling performances, makes for a heartfelt and engaging film.

Director: Emmanuel Courcol

Starring: Benjamin Lavenhe, Pierre Lottin

France Today Magazine