Independent Lens

S25E17 The Tuba Thieves

What significance does sound hold, and how do we truly listen? Filmmaker Alison O’Daniel, who is hard of hearing, delves into this inquiry by examining a string of tuba thefts across high schools in Los Angeles. The narrative unfolds through the experiences of various d/Deaf individuals sharing their stories in an inventive game of telephone. Ultimately, The Tuba Thieves transcends the mere theft of musical instruments, focusing instead on the fundamental essence of sound and the ways we perceive it.