Victory or Death U.S. Premiere at the Kennedy Center

Every once in a while, an opportunity comes along that’s a little outside your normal rhythm.

And this was one of those times.

While I’m blessed to photograph the occasional large-scale event, most of my work is centered around families, parish life, and the everyday moments that quietly shape who we are. Those are the environments I’m used to, with familiar rhythms and expectations.

So when I was invited to photograph the U.S. premiere of Victory or Death at The REACH of the Kennedy Center, I felt both honored and, if I’m being honest, a little out of my element.

It’s not every day you step into a space like that with a camera in hand.

But I’m incredibly grateful I said yes.

A French Film In Search of a New Audience

Victory or Death is a French film that originally released in 2023 and made its U.S. premiere on May 17, 2026, at The REACH building of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Mr. Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, played a key role in securing the rights to bring the film to an American audience.

While the film has already made an impact overseas, this premiere marked an important step in introducing the story to viewers here in the United States. Many in attendance may have never encountered this chapter of history before.

A Story of Faith, Resistance, and Sacrifice

The film tells the story of Catholic resistance in the Vendée during the French Revolution, focusing on François Athanase Charette, played by Hugo Becker. He is portrayed as a reluctant leader who rises to defend both his people and his faith.

Set against a backdrop of forced conscription, violent persecution of the Church, and the execution of King Louis XVI, the film presents a time when ordinary men and women were forced to make extraordinary decisions. They were faced with a difficult choice between remaining faithful or submitting to the demands of a revolutionary government that sought to reshape society.

What stood out to me most was how personal the story felt. These were not distant historical figures. They were families and communities trying to remain faithful under immense pressure.

Having gone through the American public school system, this was a part of history I had never really encountered in depth. I had learned about the French Revolution, but it was mostly presented in a positive light as a fight against absolutism and feudalism, often framed as a kind of sister movement to America’s War of Independence. Seeing this side of the story portrayed on screen, and shared in a setting like the Kennedy Center, was both eye-opening and deeply moving.

Beyond Photography: Hearing People’s Reactions

In addition to providing photographic coverage of the evening, I was given a rare opportunity — something I don’t typically get to do.

I was able to interview viewers as they exited the cinema.

Hearing people process the film in real time was just as meaningful as photographing the event itself. Some spoke about the emotional weight of the story while others reflected on how relevant the themes felt today.

Those moments added another layer to the experience. Instead of just documenting what the event looked like, I was able to capture, in a small way, how it was received.

A Grateful Opportunity

This isn’t the kind of assignment I get every day.

And maybe that’s what made it so meaningful.

To be invited into a space such as the Kennedy Center, to document a film rooted in faith and history, and to step slightly outside of my usual work is something I’m genuinely grateful for.

It was a reminder that even when the setting changes, the heart of what I do stays the same: paying attention to people, moments, and the meaning behind them.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning an event — whether it’s something as large as a film premiere or as personal as a parish celebration — I’d love to help you document it well.