Making its world premiere at the 2025 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, Misophonia introduces audiences to an offbeat, heartfelt comedy that brings an overlooked condition to the forefront of conversation. Written and directed by Bella Hall and produced by her sister Gracie Hall, the film follows Martin, a man whose life begins to unravel after an explosive outburst tied to misophonia. This auditory condition causes extreme emotional reactions to certain everyday sounds.
After being fired and moving in with his sister, Martin sets out on a misadventure to understand his condition and regain control of his life. What unfolds is a quirky, character-driven journey filled with awkward moments, unexpected breakthroughs, and just enough chaos to keep audiences laughing.
“As someone with misophonia, writing this film was a way to explore what having it feels like, honestly, but also humorously, says Bella Hall. I wanted it to feel human.”
Misophonia, the condition, is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. Many people who suffer from it don’t even realize there’s a name for what they’re experiencing. The film aims to open a line of conversation about that. Through Martin’s story, Hall hopes others may find clarity, validation, or even a sense of recognition.
“This isn’t a drama. It’s lighthearted, sometimes absurd, but at its core, it’s about being misunderstood and trying to find peace,” she says. “If someone walks away thinking, ‘That’s me,’ or ‘I know someone like that,’ we’ve done our job.”
Stylistically, Misophonia embraces a playful tone and whimsical visuals. The film leans into its comedic roots while honoring the emotional truth of its central character. “Humor was essential to how we wanted to tell this story,” Bella adds. “We needed it to be relatable and accessible. That meant showing the frustration and letting audiences laugh with Martin.”
Behind the scenes, Misophonia is a labor of love between sisters. Bella and Gracie Hall have been making films together since childhood, and their dynamic as writer-director and producer helped drive the project from development through post-production.
“This was our biggest project yet,” says Gracie. “Our experience as siblings shaped how we worked on set. There’s a built-in trust and shorthand between us, which helped us stay aligned through every production phase”.
That production wasn’t without challenges. Shot during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, the team had to secure an interim agreement to move forward with filming. With a tight 18-day
The shoot, which included 14 company moves and more than 50 cast and crew members, required strategic planning and constant adaptation.
“Getting the green light during the strike felt like a win, but it also came with pressure,” Gracie says. “We had to stay nimble, and the entire team showed up ready to make it happen.”
The cast was another highlight of the process. “We were looking for actors who could balance that fine line between comedy and vulnerability,” Bella explains. “And they delivered.”
At the core of the production was an excitement around the story’s heart. “Our cast and crew brought their time, effort, and talent to this film,” Gracie adds. “It was amazing watching the work that went into translating the script into these whimsical, heartfelt scenes.”
While the story doesn’t take place in the Midwest, the filmmakers intentionally submitted it to JDIFF for its world premiere. “We had heard amazing things about the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival and how they treat their filmmakers,” Bella says. “It seemed like the perfect place to introduce our film to the world.”
Both sisters are proud to have been selected for the JDIFF 2025 lineup. “This festival values originality and supports first-time filmmakers,” Gracie says. “To be a part of that is incredibly meaningful for us.”
As for what they hope audiences take away, the message is clear. “We want people to laugh, to feel a little seen, and maybe think differently about how we all respond to the world around us,” Bella says. “Misophonia is the lens, but the real story is about connection and self-acceptance.”
With its off-kilter charm, emotional resonance, and strong personal vision, Misophonia is a bold and heartfelt addition to JDIFF 2025. The world premiere promises to bring entertainment and insight to festival audiences, continuing JDIFF’s tradition of celebrating distinctive voices in independent cinema.
Follow Misophonia on Instagram and Facebook at @misophoniafilm for updates, festival screenings, and behind-the-scenes content.
