SǒN is a short film by Micha Volders about a prodigal son and his late father, set against the backdrop of Muay Thai. Blending raw documentary realism with elements of fiction, the film is anchored by the compelling performance of Bangkok-born actor Wachara Kanha. Developed through close collaboration with local athletes, non-professional actors, and members of the Muay Thai community, SǒN explores purpose, failure, legacy, and redemption through a hybrid cinematic language that moves between observation and re-enactment.
Currently on its international festival run, SǒN has been awarded Best International Short at the Itaewon International Film Festival (Seoul), Best Narrative Short at the SEAiff (Manila), Best International Short at the Nitiin International Film Festival (Malaysia), Best Fiction Film at the Ciputra Film Festival (Indonesia), and Best Original Score at the Wallachia International Film Festival. The film had its official world premiere at the Film Festival Oostende and has since screened and competed at the Brussels Short Film Festival, Venezia Shorts, Beijing International Film Festival, Tokyo Lift-Off Film Festival, and numerous other international festivals.
To Those who dream too much.
SŏN is Volders’ first leap into filmmaking and his debut as a solo recording artist. Shot on a shoestring budget with almost no resources, The film was developed in close exchange with Wachara Kanha, who plays the lead, building the work through a shared mindset and an instinctive approach. SǒN was shaped on the ground, working with young local athletes, non-actors, and residents, and was supported throughout by the knowledge and guidance of the Muay Thai community. The film drifts between stark observation and fragile re-enactment, tracing a former Nak Muay as he grapples with his father’s legacy and the echoes of a career that never took off. Its soundtrack pushes back against the inner turmoil: jagged orchestral bursts, impressionistic patterns, and scrapyard rhythms carry Wachara Kanha’s introspective voice through dreamscapes and neon-lit backstreets. Beyond the screen, the score extends into an 81-minute album that opens new, imaginary scenes for the listener to explore.
FILM + LIVE PERFORMANCE
SǒN TRIO
Tsubasa Hori — percussion, Taiko, koto, voice
Andrew Claes — saxophones, flutes, electronic Woodwinds
Micha Volders — electronics, electro-acoustic instruments
LIVE DATES
03.06.26 — De Studio, Antwerpen
16.09.26 — AB, Brussel
04.10.26 — AMOK, Brugge
20.10.26 — BUDA, Kortrijk
SǒN Trio brings the soundtrack to the stage accompanied by archival footage from the film. An introspective journey through resilience and redemption, the music shimmers between stripped-down orchestral motifs and manic maximalism: abrasive woodwinds, unruly rhythms and dissonant cheerfulness create a world of shy conflict and joyful friction. Expanding on the film rather than merely illustrating it, the performance wanders through unexpected side-quests and alternate perspectives, revealing new corners of the SǒN universe.. Featuring Japanese percussionist Tsubasa Hori (Kodo, Youran) on taiko, percussion, koto and voice, Andrew Claes (STUFF.) on saxophones, flutes and hybrid electronic woodwinds, and Micha Volders on electronics and electro-acoustic instruments.
SǒN: Limited Edition Vinyl
Double LP gatefold with the extended soundtrack and lucid liner notes by Belgian artist, writer, and researcher Tom Lambeens. Physical copies are available at concerts and in selected record stores. This album will not be released on streaming platforms. *Currently only 30 Copies left.
2 X 180g vinyl housed in premium tip-on gatefold sleeve, with polylined kraft inner sleeves, kraft obi banderole with gold-foil print and SǒN bookmark with download code.
ALBUM CREDITS
Composed, performed, recorded and mixed by Micha Volders between 2023 - 2025 in Thailand and Belgium. Voice-over on 9, 13 & 22 by Wachara Kanha. Voice on 26 by unknown. Field recording on 27 by RTB45 (Attribution 4.0). Mastered by Gert Van Hoof at Cochlea Mastering. Layout & design by Mutropia.
FILM CREDITS
Micha Volders: script, direction, camera, editing, music and sound design
Cast
Wachara Kanha: son
Paramee Khumpeng: ex-lover
Lung Som: father
Yik Yoy: child
Sanit Looktuemsuea: masked fighter 1
Yokthai Khuensuek: masked fighter 2
Petchdaengneua: young fighter
Pongpisan Chunyou: trainer
Wachara Kanha: voice-over
Crew
Jethro Volders: assistant director
Chuensumon Dhamanitayakul: production manager & translator
Paramee Khumpeng: additional translator
Punnakrit Moktaisong: additional translator
Olivier Ogneux: colour grading
Yves Bertrand @ VC Studios: technical support
Yves De Mey @ Sonhouse: mix
Tim Geelen: golden mask
Thanks to: Emerald Muay Thai Krabi, Khun Suek Krabi, Sit Palang - Kru Sid - Ayuthaya, Luktupfah Muay Thai & Chinawut Sirisompan aka Grandmaster Woody chairman of Kru Muay Thai Association, Thapae boxing stadium. Thanks for your support: Jethro Volders, Chuensu Dhama, Kara Supeley, Tom Lambeens, Francq Volders, Jeffrey Auwerx, BL!NDMAN, Ward De Keteleare, Tomas Serrien, Greet Van Poeck, Caroline Derycke, Eric Sleichim, Tsubasa Hori, Tim Geelen, Simon May, Chrome Brulée, Lotte Vanhamel, Jaak De Digitale, Miet Warlop, Dijf Sanders, Kristof Van Den Bergh, Roman Hiele, Diren Agbaba, Lennert jacobs & Nana Vaneessen.
℗ & © Mutropia 2025.
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ICCHĀ - Limited Edition Picture Disc. Including Silver/Chrome Obi Sticker and Silver Postcard with album titles and info in English and Bengali. Housed in PVC sleeve.
Includes Download Link.
180 gr Black Vinyl in deluxe heavy duty 750gr cardboard tip-on sleeve with obi-strip and kraft poly-lined innersleeve. Includes 24 page booklet with download code. Sealed in heavy duty PVC sleeve with Mutropia vinyl sticker.
