You’re invited to join us for a work-in-progress screening of Symphony of Silence, followed by a conversation and feedback session with director Julianne Sato-Parker and producer Bridie Bischoff, moderated by Daniel Cardone (Senior Manager, Film Independent Nonfiction Programs).

The Film Independent Documentary Works-in-Progress Series offers nonfiction filmmakers a place to share their projects to receive constructive feedback.

Audiences have the opportunity to watch films as they enter the final stages of editing, offering feedback via in-depth surveys and moderated discussions, helping to ready projects for festivals and distribution.

Attendees will be asked to participate in the conversation following the film and fill out an anonymous questionnaire.

Beverages will be served prior to the screening, starting at 6:30 pm PT.

 
Josue Borman, a young Indigenous man from the Cofán community in the Ecuadorian Amazon, has grown up surrounded by extraordinary beauty and sonic richness, as well as the ever-present threat of its destruction. Raised with a deep sense of responsibility to protect his homeland, he struggles with what his contribution should be. His journey takes a turn when he meets Gordon Hempton, a pioneering acoustic ecologist who has spent four decades documenting the world’s most pristine soundscapes. Through Gordon, Josue discovers that soundscapes can be a vital tool for awareness, inspiration, and conservation. But, just as Josue is beginning this path, Gordon must confront a devastating loss: he is losing his hearing.

After a lifetime devoted to listening to the sounds of the planet, Gordon must reckon with what it means to lose the sense that has defined his work, and navigate a new understanding of his identity and his connection to the world. Symphony of Silence travels between two of the most acoustically vibrant places on Earth: the Cofán territory in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where oil extraction and deforestation threaten an irreplaceable ecosystem, and Washington’s Hoh Rainforest, where Gordon has long sought out the quietest remaining soundscapes.

Symphony of Silence is the first recipient of the Film Independent and Sony Music Vision Fellowship. For more information on this fellowship, please visit our please visit our Grants & Awards page. The film was also a participant in Film Independent’s Fast Track program in 2025.
 
Rough cut, no color correction, no sound mix, temp sound design, temp music, temp graphics | 90 minutes, color | Directed by Julianne Sato-Parker, Produced by Bridie Bischoff
 

Registration Information

Film Lover Members receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email [email protected] for more.

Film Independent Members and the general public can register for this event starting at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, August 18. | Registration is free; one registration per individual.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registrants may pick up tickets as early as 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

Complimentary parking provided with validation. Garage entrance on Masselin.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at [email protected] or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per individual, per event.

Attendees are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.