The Tuba Thieves is an innovative blend of documentary and fiction directed by Alison O’Daniel, a Deaf filmmaker.
Inspired by real-life tuba thefts from Southern California schools, the film explores the experience of sound and silence, emphasizing how these elements shape our perception of the world. The story primarily follows two characters: Nyke, a Deaf woman, and Geovanny, a drum major whose band lost its tuba. Rather than focusing solely on the thefts, the film delves into the sensory and emotional impact of sound, or its absence, on the lives of its subjects.
“defies any simple categorisation and demands to be seen” – Indiewire
Through creative storytelling techniques, O’Daniel offers viewers a multi-dimensional experience that challenges traditional sound-based narratives. The film features a unique sensory element, inviting audiences to hold balloons during screenings to feel the soundtrack’s vibrations, reflecting the Deaf community’s historic practice of experiencing sound through tactile sensations. This immersive approach bridges the gap between hearing and Deaf audiences, offering a fresh perspective on the role sound plays in daily life. This is a throwback to the tradition of Deaf movie goers who would gather in Deaf clubs in the 1950’s and 60’s and hold balloons while watching movies together.