Shoshannah Stern Directs Documentary on Marlee Matlin

A new documentary by Gallaudet alumnus Shoshannah Stern, ’05, premiered at Sundance Film Festival on January 23. Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore is an intimate conversation between Shoshannah and Marlee Matlin, H-’87. Together, they dive into Marlee’s career as a Deaf actor, director, and trailblazer.

Marlee Matlin won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1986 for Children of a Lesser God. In the Deaf Community, she’s known for breaking barriers as a pioneering Deaf artist and role model. She was also a member of the Gallaudet Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2011. She has since been given the title of Honorary Trustee.

Shoshannah Stern is a successful director, actor, and writer. In addition to her many television and film roles, she co-created and starred in This Close, the first TV series created, written by, and starring Deaf artists. Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore is her directorial debut.

Shoshannah was inspired by Marlee Matlin from a young age. Today, their close relationship as peers in the entertainment industry allows for them to dig deep into Marlee’s life, with no stone unturned. Their conversations spans Marlee’s youth, emergence as an actor, and the challenges of fame.

Sundance 2025 marks a historic moment, with two films by Deaf directors showing at the festival. Deaf President Now!, directed by Nyle DiMarco, ’13, will also premiere at Sundance on January 28. Gallaudet is proud to see the continued success of both alumni.

---

Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore is available to watch online through Sundance Film Festival, January 30 to February 3. There will be in-person screenings at the festival in Utah. Click here to buy online or in-person tickets.

Did you know that Gallaudet University has a Deaf Documentary Center? The Schuchman Center teaches Gallaudet students the documentary arts, with a special focus on issues that impact Deaf and hard of hearing people.