WSIU, the Carbondale Public Library, and Indie Lens Pop-Up, presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS will host a screening of “The Tuba Thieves,” featuring a free dinner and community dialogue. Directed, written, and produced by hard of hearing filmmaker Alison O’Daniel, the film uses a series of tuba thefts in Los Angeles high schools as a jumping-off point to explore the nature of sound itself, through several d/Deaf people telling stories in the film equivalent of a game of telephone.
Between 2011 and 2013, tubas were stolen from high schools across Southern California. While reporters focused on the thieves, O'Daniel was curious about the impact of the thefts on the students and school communities. She wondered how these thefts were altering the sound of the bands, which ultimately led her to question the role of sound itself and what it means to listen. In “The Tuba Thieves,” O'Daniel explores the question of sound, prioritizing a form of storytelling in which information collides and is allowed to be misunderstood. In prioritizing Deaf and hard of hearing communication, she generates new sensitivity to sound and meaning.
WHAT: FREE preview screening of “The Tuba Thieves” followed by a community discussion.
Dinner provided for the first 35 attendees (Typical attendance is 20 to 30 people).
WHERE: Carbondale Public Library
WHEN: Wednesday, May 1, 5pm to 7pm
After the screening, participate in a conversation around the expansion of sound, how media is experienced by d/Deaf/hard of hearing audiences and hearing audiences, and how captioning can be elevated to provide much more than dialogue.
“The Tuba Thieves” will debut on May 20, 2024, at 9pm on WSIU-TV, PBS stations nationwide, and the PBS App (check local listings).
For more information, visit: pbs.org/tubathieves.
About Indie Lens Pop-Up
Indie Lens Pop-Up is a community series that brings people together for film screenings and conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on PBS's INDEPENDENT LENS, Indie Lens Pop-Up draws local residents, leaders, and organizations to discuss what matters most. Learn more at pbs.org/indielenspopup.
About INDEPENDENT LENS INDEPENDENT LENS is an Emmy® Award-winning PBS documentary series. With founding executive producer Lois Vossen, the series has been honored with 10 Academy Award nominations and features documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers. Presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Acton Family Giving, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts. Stream anytime on the PBS App. For more visit pbs.org/independentlens.
