The Tuba Thieves

It’s true that a rash of tuba thefts have plagued Los Angeles high schools, but the mystery behind the loss of the oompah instruments is not the point in this bracing film that blends elements of documentary, narrative, and essay. Instead, the tubas provide one thread as filmmaker Alison O’Daniel creates a visually stunning work that captures life on roads, seas, mountains, forests, and skies, and features a sound design–including sequences of complete silence–so visceral it almost feels textured. Open-captioned and populated by a largely deaf cast, O’Daniel invites the audience both to “hear” the world through the experiences of the deaf and hard of hearing and really listen to the world around us.

This film will be shown with open captions. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided at this event. Audio description is available for this screening upon request. Allergy warning: latex balloons will be present at this screening as part of an interactive sensory experience.