Special Films
What?
Director:
Alek Lev
Q+A:
Christina Schönfeld
John Maucere
Daniel Rosello
Marina Longares Escrichs
Moderator:
Rona Meyendorf
movie:
Filmed in the black-and-white, silent comedy style of Charlie Chaplin, but set in modern-day Los Angeles, WHAT? tells the story of a Deaf actor, tired of the disrespect and discrimination he confronts in Hollywood. He decides - through sign language, gestures, and whatever it takes - to take matters into his own… hands.
To my father
Director:
Troy Kotsur
Q+A:
Troy Kotsur
Moderator:
Rona Meyendorf
movie:
In March 2022, at the 94th annual Academy Awards, Troy Kotsur became the first Deaf man to take home the best supporting actor Academy Award for his moving portrayal of Frank Rossi in CODA. During his emotional acceptance speech, Troy paid tribute to his dad, or as he so eloquently put it, his “hero”.
To My Father, is the story behind the speech that moved millions. Through American Sign Language (ASL),Troy narrates his courageous journey of achievement, drawing viewers into the world of the Deaf and presenting the challenges he faced to fit into the hearing world. The film explores his inspirational relationship with his dad who made it his mission to excel at ASL so he could be the best possible father to Troy. While growing up, Leonard Kotsur instilled a deep belief into Troy that he could achieve anything he set out to accomplish, and encouraged him to "follow his spark" and pursue his passion for acting.
Tragically, Troy's father was struck by a drunk driver just before his high school graduation; however, the lessons Troy learned from his dad allowed him to turn the tragedy into triumph.
To My Father, and Troy’s personal story, are truly inspiring and contain valuable lessons that can help each of us overcome the setbacks and challenges we all inevitably come to face in our lives.
No ordinary hero - The SuperDeafy movie
Director:
Troy Kotsur
Q+A:
John Maucere
Lizette Tannebaum
Moderator:
Rona Meyendorf
movie:
SuperDeafy, a deaf actor who plays a superhero, must reveal the man behind the cape to find true love and inspire eight-year-old Jacob, a young deaf boy, to believe in himself. The movie follows the evolution of this unique hero. A beloved character and role model, SuperDeafy has a worldwide following. But as SuperDeafy seeks to redefine himself in the entertainment industry, he also influences Jacob to redefine what "being normal" means and to find the courage to stand up to a school bully. The cast includes: Oscar winner Marlee Matlin, Shoshannah Stern, Ryan Lane, and John Maucere. This film marks the first time in cinematic history that a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) commercial feature film was produced exclusively by deaf executive producers and directed by a deaf director.
Jenseits der Stille
Director:
Caroline Link
Q+A:
Emmanuelle Laborit
Moderator:
Rona Meyendorf
movie:
What sound does the sun make when it rises? What does the snow sound like when it falls on the meadow? Guessing sounds is the favorite game of Lara (Sylvie Testud) and her deaf father Martin (Howie Seago). In her family, Lara is the only one who can hear and speak. From an early age, she communicates with her parents in sign language and helps them as a translator in all kinds of situations. As a teenager, Lara discovers her interest in music and starts playing the clarinet. Her father interprets this as a personal affront and distances himself more and more from her. When Lara wants to accept a place at a music academy in faraway Berlin, the family threatens to break up for good. It is only through a tragic stroke of fate that Martin gradually finds understanding for Lara's love of music…
You shall hear
Director:
Petra K. Wagner
Q+A:
Anne Zander
Benjamin Piwko
Eric-Leif Werk
Tobias Lehmann
Moderator:
Rona Meyendorf
movie:
Two-year-old Mila Ebert is deaf. An examination at the hospital reveals that her auditory nerve is developed - with the insertion of a cochlear implant and appropriate support, she would have the chance of a "normal" life. But Mila's parents, who are also deaf, refuse an operation. They do not perceive Mila's lack of hearing as an illness or disability. The hospital then calls in the Youth Welfare Office, and the case goes to court. Judge Jolanda Helbig must now decide whether Mila has a right to hear. But for her, the issue is complex and anything but clear from a legal point of view. And the more intensively she deals with the case, the more she is also caught up in her own past. A secret that not only puts her marriage at risk, but also threatens to throw her off track. It all revolves around fundamental questions: Do people have to adapt to society, or doesn’t our society have to adapt to its individuals? Who decides which way of life is more worth living? Is the state allowed to play a role in this – or does it even have to?
