ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Les Owen is an American filmmaker, musician, and former member of the United States Army Band. Before becoming a filmmaker, Owen built a distinguished career in music, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music from Virginia Commonwealth University with a focus on saxophone and flute. During his early career, he performed professionally in orchestras, clubs, and recording studios before joining the United States Army Field Band – Jazz Ambassadors. Later, the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in Washington, D.C. Over the course of more than 32 years of military service, Owen performed internationally and at high-profile venues, including the White House. While serving in the Army Band, he developed a passion for filmmaking and founded Treehouse Dreams Films in 2005. He later became the first full-time Video Producer for the U.S. Army Band, creating visual productions used for marketing, archival documentation, and international public relations. After retiring from military service, Owen continued producing award-winning documentaries and currently works as Broadcast Manager and Video Producer for Arlington National Cemetery Public Affairs in Arlington, Virginia. His films often focus on military history, cultural exchange, and the legacy of service members.

FILM SYNOPSIS

In China documents a historic cultural exchange between the United States and China centered on music diplomacy. In 2012, the United States Army Band and the People’s Liberation Army Band of China participated in a joint concert tour across China titled “Friendship and Cooperation Through Music.” The tour brought together musicians from both nations in collaborative performances designed to promote understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

The documentary explores:

The preparation and performances of the joint concerts
The relationships formed between musicians from different cultures
The power of music as a diplomatic tool
The role of cultural exchange in improving international relations
Through interviews, performances, and behind-the-scenes footage, the film highlights how music can bridge political and cultural divides.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

Les Owen’s work often reflects his belief that music and culture can serve as powerful tools for diplomacy and mutual understanding. With In China, he sought to capture a moment where artists from two global powers came together to share a common language: music. The film demonstrates how collaboration between military musicians can foster friendship, respect, and cooperation beyond political differences. The documentary emphasizes that cultural exchange can play a meaningful role in building peaceful relationships between nations.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

The documentary has been widely recognized for its effectiveness as a tool for international relations: 

Diplomatic Utility: The film is hailed and utilized by the U.S. State Department, the Pentagon, and the Chinese government as a valuable resource for enhancing diplomatic relations.

Educational Use: It is used at the Army War College and other academic settings as a study in "Friendship and Cooperation Through Music".

Military Honors: Les Owen himself received two Meritorious Service Awards from the U.S. Army for his extensive film work, which includes this project.

Festival Screenings: The film has been featured on platforms like FilmFreeway and in specialized retrospectives highlighting its role in cultural diplomacy.