"See What I Am Saying," a documentary about deaf entertainers, opens in NY City

From the Wall Street Journal:

The new documentary “See What I’m Saying” opens April 9 at Village East Cinemas in New York City, and runs through April 22. The film follows a deaf comic, acting teacher, drummer and singer and features “open captions,” or written descriptions, like subtitles, of the action and dialogue. In the past, many films have had open captions for select screenings; “See What I’m Saying” will feature them on every print. The movie will open in other cities in the coming weeks.

Director Hilari Scarl became involved with the deaf community after working as a speaking actor with the National Theatre of the Deaf. A Q&A with the director and the four performers follows the opening. Speakeasy talked to Scarl about her new film.

The Wall Street Journal: What exactly is open-captioning?

Hilari Scarl: Open-captioning includes audio descriptors, such as notating when a phone is ringing, or musical notes when the music is present. Right now, deaf people who want to see a movie have to drive to where an open-captioned print may be playing on a particular night. Or wait for a DVD. Most of the deaf people I’ve polled have never been to the movies before. Every single print of this film is 100% captioned.

How did your acting background help?

I snuck in more stage doors for this documentary to get the shots I needed! I know what it’s like to want to express yourself. This movie is about the universal experience of wanting to belong, be recognized for your talents.

Why is Marlee Matlin basically the only famous deaf actress?

Lack of exposure. CJ Jones, the comic, is an icon in the deaf community.

I’d like to see deaf actors play roles with no mention of deafness, lawyers who just happen to be deaf… every minority had to go through that fight. There are deaf doctors, deaf teachers, and deaf CEOs.

Why is their story important?

One out of every 10 people in this country have hearing loss. Deaf culture is a thriving culture with its own languages, customs, history. It’s invisible among us. TL, the singer, technically is hard of hearing, but has chosen to identify with the deaf world. She is learning sign language, which is like learning a second language as an adult. These stories show the perseverance of the human spirit.