‘The Body Is A Political Matter’
Benthe Hauzendorfer & Mijn Wanjong x Noah Tamaëla
Sound Design, Audio Editing, Audio Post production
‘The Body Is A Political Matter’ is an essayistic short film about the body, identity, and who gets to decide how we're allowed to be ourselves. The story follows a personal journey, constantly shifting between reality and surreal experiences. It explores the boundary between the familiar and the unfamiliar, inviting the audience into the protagonist's inner world. As everyday moments gradually become distorted, the line between what is real and what is imagined becomes increasingly ambiguous. Selected for the Dutch Film Festival's 2026 Student Competition, the film will be screened as part of the festival's official programme.
The sound design plays a crucial role in this narrative, using recognizable everyday sounds that evoke a sense of comfort, familiarity, and routine. These familiar sonic elements are gradually layered with manipulated textures, subtle distortions, and darker, more abstract sounds that introduce a feeling of unease. Instead of relying on obvious horror or shock, the soundscape creates a quiet sense of tension while reflecting the protagonist's emotional and psychological state. Through this contrast between the ordinary and the surreal, the sound design becomes an essential storytelling element that deepens the audience's immersion in the film. The 5.1 surround mix reinforces the contrast between reality and surrealism, enveloping the audience in an immersive soundscape that heightens the emotional impact of the film.