Michaël Vermaercke presents Sound of the Somme, In Association with JNR Productions
JNR, Executive Producer
The true story of private James C. Richardson, a 20-year-old bagpiper serving in the 16th Canadian Scottish Battalion. Despite being assigned to stay behind as stretcher bearer, James is determined to play his bagpipes in the heat of the battle. His unwavering resolve to support his comrades and boost morale leads him to defy orders, risking his life to bring a glimmer of hope amidst the horrors of war. This heroic act earned James the Victoria Cross, the highest honor within the British Commonwealth.
The screenplay by itself won 6 awards and 8 nominations. Now, this is amazing short is in the festival circuit. If you like history or military history films, this will be a must see!
This short film isn’t just about 1916. It asks a bigger question: how do we stay human in a world that feels
inhuman? The bagpipe is more than an instrument. It is a symbol of creating order within chaos. Richardson’s music was not merely an act of bravery, but a statement that even in the darkest moments, there can still be a flicker of humanity. In a world where the voice of hatred and division seem to grow louder, it is our responsibility to ensure that spark never fades