See What I'm Saying' to screen at Gallaudet

Gallaudet is pleased to announce the screening of the award-winning film, “See What I’m Saying: The Deaf Entertainers Documentary,” at Theatre Malz at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf. In the film, director/producer Hilari Scarl follows deaf performers Robert DeMayo, TL Forsberg, Bob Hiltermann, and CJ Jones.

Showings will take place June 9, 11, and 12, with both evening and matinee performances. The film is in ASL and English, with open captions for signers and non-signers.

The screenings offer an opportunity for the public to visit the Gallaudet campus, and gives the community a sneak preview of the film before it appears at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center during the International Disability Film Festival that is part of the VSA Arts Festival.

In addition, a portion of all ticket sales will benefit the organization Friends of Deaf Haitians, which originated at Gallaudet in the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake in Port-au-Prince. Scarl will be on hand at each performance to answer questions, and also available–along with the performers–at a special reception at 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 12. The reception is also open to the public, giving audience members a chance to meet the people involved with the film, take photos, and ask further questions.

The director/producer has also agreed to present a lecture in the summer course GSR 300: “What’s Next for Deaf Haiti?”, taught by Dr. Cristina Berdichevsky, a professor in the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Scarl will describe the basics of documentary film making–a technique the students may employ to raise awareness and funds. Tracey Salaway, head of the committee that is bringing the film to Gallaudet and a faculty member, will train the students to edit films with iMovie software.

“See What I’m Saying” has won numerous accolades and awards, including Best Feature Documentary at the Philadelphia Film Festival. Reviewers have called the film “a significant look at a vital, underreported segment of the entertainment world” (Los Angeles Times) and “complex, candid and all-but-essential viewing for hearing audiences” (The New York Times).

However, one critic found describing the work elusive, and in fact unnecessary. “In truth, this unique documentary is not meant to be read about,” writes Andrew Hall in Encore: The Performing Arts Magazine. “‘See What I’m Saying: The Deaf Entertainers Documentary’ is meant to be seen, for both hearing and deaf audiences. From it, one will learn you do not need to be able to hear to listen to the truth.”

To see more for yourself, watch the trailer (follow link or see below) and reserve a ticket to attend one of the performances. For more information about tickets, email seewhatimsayingticketinfo@gmail.com