Gala

The History of Sound

Oliver Hermanus chronicles a decades-spanning romance centered around the power of music, starring an electric Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.

Screening dates and booking

Check which tickets are still available across the festival – and find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Screening at cinemas around the UK – find out more.

Credits

  • Director

    Oliver Hermanus

  • Screenwriter

    Ben Shattuck

  • With

    Paul Mescal, Josh O’Connor, Chris Cooper

  • USA-UK-Italy 2024. 127min

  • Courtesy of

    Universal Pictures

  • Languages

    English, Italian

    With English subtitles

Access information

Audio description:
Saturday 18 October 18:00
Sunday 19 October 11:30

Closed Captions (CC) via WatchWord smart glasses:
Saturday 18 October 18:00
Sunday 19 October 11:30

Intro / Q&A Live captioned:
Saturday 18 October 18:00

Find out about booking access tickets

Introduction

Lionel and David meet at Boston Conservatory, where they bond over their love of American folk music. Years later, after David serves in the First World War, the pair reunite and travel across the US to record their beloved music. It’s a journey that irrevocably changes their lives. There’s a palpable chemistry between Mescal and O’Connor in this melancholic love story from the director of Living and Shirley Adams.

Grace Barber-Plentie

Content warning

Contains scenes of nudity and themes of suicide.

How to book

Tickets start from £10 for all screenings and events in London, with concessions available for many screenings. Booking information and ticket prices.

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

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