2 weeks Ago By Zac Hall
Apple TV+ just landed an upcoming film about a protest that led to a university’s first Deaf president. The title comes from a Deaf actor, filmmaker, and advocate as well as an award-winning documentary filmmaker. The upcoming documentary called Deaf President Now! tells the story of a historical university protest that resulted in the school’s first Deaf president while paving the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Deaf actor, filmmaker, and advocate Nyle DiMarco joins David Guggenheim in directing the title. Here’s a summary of what the film is all about from Apple : “Deaf President Now!” recounts the eight days of historic protests held at Gallaudet University in 1988, after the school’s board of trustees appointed a hearing president over several very qualified Deaf candidates. After a week of rallies, boycotts and protests, the students of Gallaudet University triumphed as the hearing president resigned and beloved dean Dr.
I. King Jordan became the university’s first Deaf president. The protests marked a pivotal moment in civil rights history, with an impact that extended well beyond the Gallaudet campus and paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Deaf President Now!” features exclusive interviews with the five key figures of the movement, including the Gallaudet four — Jerry Covell, Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Tim Rarus and Greg Hlibok — alongside I. King Jordan, as well as archival and scripted elements. The film also incorporates an experimental narrative approach called Deaf Point of View, using impressionistic visual photography and intricate sound design to thrust the audience into the Deaf experience.
Naturally, the film was created with accessibility, cultural, and communication considerations throughout production. Deaf Lens producer Wayne Betts Jr. came on during production to help create the visual language DiMarco coined “Visual Noise.
” Betts worked closely with the directors to ensure everything from the acting to the way the camera moved was authentic to the Deaf experience. DiMarco prioritized that the portrayal and interpretation of American Sign Language (ASL) was done with the utmost care in every frame. The team brought on consultants Jonaz McMillan and FWD-Doc’s Lindsey Dryden to ensure the Deaf lens was conveyed accurately, inclusive hires were made, and resources for accessibility and communication needs were planned for.
Over 40 Deaf or Hard of Hearing subjects, cast members, and crew members participated in the making of the film. “Deaf President Now!” fits Apple’s inclusive approach to showcasing original storytelling. Two years ago, “CODA” included a predominantly Deaf cast and earned the Academy Award for Best Picture .
We’ll update our coverage when availability details arrive in the future..
