Menemsha Films Acquires North American Rights for 'The Soundman'

The film, a breakout from the Palm Springs International Film Festival, explores the lives of Belgian Jews on the eve of the German invasion.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Menemsha Films has acquired the North American distribution rights for the drama film "The Soundman" following its well-received U.S. premiere at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Set in Brussels on the eve of the German invasion of Belgium and the Netherlands, the film explores the situation for Belgian Jews, torn between staying in their homeland or fleeing for an unknown destiny, through a love story set against the backdrop of the broadcast radio world.

Why it matters

The Soundman" marks a return to theatrical features for acclaimed Belgian director and producer Frank Van Passel, known for breakout films like "Mannekin Pis" and "Villa des Roses". The acquisition by Menemsha Films, a prominent distributor of international art house films, signals the industry's interest in this period drama exploring the experiences of Belgian Jews during a tumultuous historical moment.

The details

The film is set in the iconic Maison de la Radio Flagey building in Brussels, which was then home to the National Institute for Radio Broadcasting (NIR). It follows Elza, a young actress making her debut in radio drama, as she meets Berre, a gifted soundman and foley expert. Their love story develops against the backdrop of the approaching German invasion. The cast also features Belgian actors Koen De Bouw and Peter Van den Begin.

  • The Soundman had its U.S. premiere at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January 2026.
  • Menemsha Films acquired the North American distribution rights for the film in February 2026.

The players

Menemsha Films

A prominent distributor of international art house films that has acquired the North American rights for "The Soundman".

Frank Van Passel

A Belgian director and producer known for breakout films like "Mannekin Pis" and "Villa des Roses", who is making a return to theatrical features with "The Soundman".

Elza

A young actress making her debut in radio drama, whose love story with the gifted soundman Berre is the central focus of the film.

Berre

A gifted soundman and foley expert with a magical ear, who develops a love story with the young actress Elza against the backdrop of the approaching German invasion.

Koen De Bouw

A Belgian actor who appears in the cast of "The Soundman".

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What’s next

The Soundman is expected to have a wider theatrical release in North America following Menemsha Films' acquisition of the distribution rights.

The takeaway

The acquisition of "The Soundman" by Menemsha Films highlights the industry's interest in period dramas that explore the experiences of marginalized communities during historical moments of upheaval, as well as the continued success of acclaimed Belgian filmmakers in the international art house cinema landscape.