The Soundman

May 1940. Berre (18) is an unworldly, shy young man, fascinated by the world of sound, especially the new technology invading living rooms everywhere: the radio. Through his aunt Gabby and uncle André, an employee at the National Radio in Brussels, Berre secures an internship at the state-of-the-art studios in the Flagey building, “the world’s largest sound factory.” When the resident sound engineer suddenly drops out, Berre steps into his place, conjuring unique soundscapes and fantastical tones for live radio plays. Meanwhile, the young and courageous Elza searches for happiness in a time that offers her little chance of escape…. Flemish filmmaker Frank Van Passel presents a warm and visually lyrical love story, marked by a deep sensitivity to sound, atmosphere, and texture — set against the backdrop of an impending world war. An ode to sound.