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An Early Look at See What I’m Saying: The Deaf Entertainers Documentary
Photo: CJ Jones, deaf comic
Billions of people dream of making it in the world of entertainment. Some wish to survive life as an actor or become a mainstream stand-up comedian, while others wish to play in a rock band or to sing on their own album. With this truth, what are the chances of a deaf person succeeding in show business? In See What I’m Saying, award-winning director Hilari Scarl provides the answer by bringing us deep into the core struggles of four deaf entertainers. As the first open captioned commercial film in American history, this film sets out to show the world “that being Deaf is not a handicap.”
Looking deeper into the documentary, one would learn of a deaf icon known as CJ Jones. In the deaf community, he is recognized worldwide as a brilliant comic. However, his mainstream career, according to an official source, is “plagued by what others view as a ‘double whammy,’ being black and deaf.” One would also discover an actor named Robert DeMayo, teaching sign language at Julliard. However, he is also deaf, homeless, and HIV positive. In the documentary, his life problems are in no way shadowed.
We see Bob Hitlermann, the drummer and producer of the world’s only deaf rock band, Beethoven’s Nightmare. Hilari Scarl captures his journey towards “the most important gig” of his life: the band’s first mainstream show. We also witness the life of TL Forsberg, a hard of hearing singer, as she works to producer her first CD. Learning of TL’s problems fitting into the deaf community and the world of the hearing, one finds this film doesn’t exclude anyone.
In truth, this unique documentary is not meant to be read about. This preview will not pretend to do it justice. 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. So, start listening. This independent film reaches New York City this April at the Village East Cinema. For more information, visit www.seewhatimsayingmovie.com.