Just Cinema Ph © Michele Illuzzi

The Cannes Film Festival offered two distinct yet connected glimpses of The History of Sound, directed by Oliver Hermanus, as the film’s cast first appeared on the red carpet on May 21, 2025, before returning the following day for a more relaxed photocall on May 22. Together, these appearances captured both the scale and the intimacy of a film centered on memory, connection, and the emotional resonance of sound.

On the evening of May 21, the cast arrived at the Palais des Festivals with a calm and refined presence that reflected the film’s tone. Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor led the ensemble, joined by Alison Oliver, John C. Reilly, Chris Cooper, and Italian actor Alessandro Borghi, whose presence added an additional international dimension to the cast. Their red carpet appearance was marked by simplicity and focus, allowing the film itself to remain at the center of attention as photographers captured the moment.

The following day, the mood shifted during the official photocall. In daylight, the cast appeared more relaxed, sharing natural interactions that suggested a strong creative connection. Borghi, alongside his co-stars, contributed to the sense of cohesion within the group, while director Oliver Hermanus stood with them, presenting a project shaped by sensitivity and careful storytelling.

Set in the early 20th century, The History of Sound follows two young men brought together by a shared passion for recording and preserving traditional folk music. As they travel through rural landscapes collecting songs and voices, their journey gradually becomes more personal, exploring bonds that form through shared experiences. Without revealing key developments, the film reflects on themes such as memory, identity, and the attempt to hold onto fleeting moments.

The cast supports this narrative with a balance of intensity and restraint. Mescal and O’Connor anchor the story, while Oliver, Cooper, and Borghi help expand its emotional and cultural scope, giving depth to the world the film inhabits.

From the composed elegance of the red carpet to the more candid tone of the photocall, The History of Sound revealed itself gradually over two days at Cannes. In a festival often defined by spectacle, the film—and its cast—stood out for a quieter, more thoughtful presence.

Stefania Veneri

Just Cinema Ph © Michele Illuzzi