This year Deaf History Month will be celebrated from April 1-30th, according to The National Association of the Deaf. This month shines a light on Deaf culture and its background from all perspectives. The following films are available on Kanopy and include portrayals of Deaf culture from a variety of lenses.
Making Noise in Silence
This film explores the world of two Deaf Korean students who attend the California School for the Deaf.
Seen-Actress Lauren Ridloff
The second of a series, this documentary focuses on Deaf actress Lauren Ridloff and her efforts to make a place for Deaf actors and actresses on the stage and screen.
Following the Ninth
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony was written at the end of his life, when he was sick, alone, and completely deaf, yet it is one of the most joyful pieces of music ever written.
Zulu Love Letter
The story of an apartheid journalist, Thandi whose 13-year-old daughter was born deaf. Thandi is struggling to pick up the pieces of her life after the torture that she experienced while in police custody.
The Silent Child
A short film that depicts a young Deaf child named Libby who is starting school, but whose parents don’t know how to relate to her. A young social worker helps her connect with the world.
My Name is Gennet-Mi nombre en Gennet
The story of Gennet Corcuera a Deaf-Blind orphan who is adopted from Ethiopia and taken to live in Madrid, Spain. She goes on to become the first Deaf-Blind woman to earn a university degree in Europe.
A Life Without Words
This documentary focuses on two deaf siblings in Nicaragua who are raised without access to any language until a Deaf sign language teacher begins to work with them.
The Tribe
This nonverbal film tells the story of a young student who must prove himself to a gang leader to survive.
Marie’s Story
At the end of the 19th century, Deaf-Blind fourteen-year old Marie is sent to the Larnay Institute, where an order of nuns run a school for the Deaf. Marie forms a connection with a young nun who is able to revive her connection with the world.
Planet of Snail
This documentary tells the story of Deaf-Blind poet Young-Chan who communicates with his wife Soon-Ho through finger braille.
