For most people, a dinner party is a chance to unwind and relax. But for Jonny, who is Deaf, it’s a constant struggle to keep up with his friends and their ever-changing conversations. Disinterested and tired of misunderstandings, Jonny leaves a dinner party to take the viewer on an audio-visual, time-traveling adventure, offering up moments from his life where those misunderstandings landed him in sticky situations.

Louder Is Not Always Clearer tells Jonny’s story of disconnection, difference, and desperation to belong. It is an honest portrayal of a man perceived to be full of confidence and who is outwardly social, but inwardly vulnerable and at times isolated. For hearing viewers, it is an illuminating and emotional experience. For Deaf viewers, the film is a familiar tale of misunderstanding and isolation. For all viewers, it is a humorous and moving story of one man’s attempt to cope, to fit in, and be accepted. The film is adapted from the critically acclaimed theatre production of the same name.

[Poster image description: A film poster for the film “Louder is Not Always Clearer.“ The poster is divided into three sections. Top section in blue shows a white male with hands on his ears. The middle section is black box with white text: “Louder is not always clearer.” Bottom section in red shows a white male with his arms up with two individuals behind.]

[Movie still image description: A group of people sit around a table in a darkened room lit by two small lamps behind them. Cups and bottles are visible on the table in front of them along with half-eaten dishes.]