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.

1

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.

2

A Story of Faith, Resistance, and Sacrifice

Four men in suits posing together at a Syndicato Pictures film premiere event backdrop.

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.

3

Beyond Photography: Hearing People’s Reactions

Three smiling guests pose at a cocktail table during an elegant formal networking event reception.
Professionals networking and laughing at a corporate event in a modern venue with teal curtain backdrop.
Two men in casual and formal attire share a laugh at an indoor event with wine glasses on a nearby table.
Three professionals networking and laughing at an indoor corporate event with large windows and a banner display.
Man speaking at Victory or Death film premiere event, gesturing confidently before a branded step-and-repeat backdrop.
Professionals in suits networking at a formal business event, holding champagne glasses in a modern venue.
Two men smiling and taking a selfie indoors near a movie poster backdrop at a casual event.
Guests mingle at an elegant cocktail reception with wine glasses on a patterned tablecloth.
Business executive delivers keynote speech at corporate conference in modern auditorium with attentive audience.
A man in a dark suit speaks at a clear podium with a microphone in a modern venue with textured walls.
Professional speaker in navy suit holding microphone presenting at corporate event with textured stone wall backdrop.
Man in dark suit speaking at a clear podium during a formal event with textured gold wall backdrop.
Two men in suits shaking hands on stage at a formal award ceremony in a modern venue.

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.

Photographer in black outfit holding two cameras at an indoor event, with guests visible in the background.
Photographer capturing a couple posing at a film premiere event with movie banners in the background.
Two men in conversation at a Syndicate Pictures event, one in black shirt, other in white, discussing film industry topics.
A man in black and a woman in blue dress being interviewed at a Syndicate Pictures event.

4

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.


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.

Let's chat!