The synopsis of "Transients": TRANSIENTS depicts the encounter between two artists who meet at an arts festival: Sandrine, an environmental artist whose perceptions of art and nature have been greatly affected by a recent disability, and Sal, a deaf musician whose personal battles frequently collide with those around him. The film explores issues of ability, communication, identity, and trust as the characters confront truths about themselves and each other.
"Transients" is currently in pre-production. Production will begin in August 2010 in Los Angeles. You can see filmmaker Rhianon Gutierrez discuss her work for Deaf Women in Film on YouTube here.
Gutierrez' previous films are:
"When I’m Not Alone"
21 minutes
Panasonic DVX 100 / Color / Documentary
2009
SYNOPSIS:
For most of his life, he was a victim. Bold and passionate, When I’m Not Alone tells the story of Sam Durbin, who was born female but raised as a male, experienced unspeakable abuse for most of his life, never learned to read or write, and drifted in and out of institutions. His uncontrollable behavior and disheveled state led doctors to declare him a “hopeless case”. When he found Integrity House, a clubhouse for people with disabilities in Southern California, he learned to read, write, and advocate for himself, eventually becoming a published author and nationwide advocate for people with disabilities. Despite his successes, his past continues to affect him in profound ways—from how he trusts people to his own self-image.
"Ritmo do Morumbi"
22 minutes
HD / Color / Documentary
2009
SYNOPSIS:
In Sao Paulo, Brazil, where poverty, violence, and drugs are rampant, youth find an outlet for artistic expression at the renowned percussion school Meninos do Morumbi. The differences that divide the rich and poor in Brazilian society are secondary to the free and inclusive performing arts education and social opportunities that Meninos provides for its youth, yet the forces of personal choice and social circumstance influence the participation and success of each student.
"Glass Bottles"
14 minutes
HD / Color / Short
2008
SYNOPSIS:
Danny and Nate meet by chance. Danny is a homeless man with a traumatic brain injury whose existence involves wandering the streets of Santa Ana collecting recycled glass bottles, while Nate is a disillusioned film student who is seeking the perfect glass bottle for his pretentious art director.
"Hear the Silence"
10 minutes
Panasonic DVX 100 / Color / Documentary
2007
SYNOPSIS:
Filmed in Los Angeles just after the release of his first book, The Unheard, this documentary highlights the disparities in deaf education and perception from the perspective of Josh Swiller.
