A Silent Rockumentary

Mardi Gras.BB was founded twenty years ago as one of Mannheim's first Brass and Marching Bands. The documentary follows the production of their new record "Crime Story Tapes". Filmmaker Jonas Grosch takes the approach of old silent movies, meaning that there is no on-screen dialogue. Instead, title cards are used for statements by band members. But their enticing and diverse music can be heard loud and clearly throughout the film, which also poses the serious question how such groups can possibly continue to exist, when they have to spend several weeks in the studio to produce an album and ultimately sell about 1000 units. And even that might not happen, given the "everything's free" culture of the internet. Grosch manages to take a close look on the creative process, and he also captures inspiring live performances by this unique experimental brass band.