All,
I just got home from viewing a 70-minute long documentary called Deaf Jam. .
I was so impressed with this film. Please watch my video reaction/review in American Sign Language.
This film presented American Sign Language as a beautiful language, and it gives us an intimate look into a small group of Deaf High School students at Lexington School for the Deaf. These students were learning about ASL poetry.
Aneta Brodski is Deaf Israeli-born student and I was able to watch her personal transformation from a student who thought it was ‘fun’ to learn ASL poetry to a fabulous ASL poet! That truly touched my heart.
Judy Lieff, as the Director of this film. Lieff was able to present American Sign Language in a very respectful way, and she incorporates an accurate historical, statistical and factual information how American Sign Language was been oppressed throughout the years. She really succeeded in bringing out this information to the audience who knows so little about American Sign Language, Deaf Culture and our values with so much ease! Judy Lieff has earned my utmost respect because she included the right people as project consultants… and they were:
H. Dirksen Bauman
Lori Cheatle
JoAnn Dean
Bob Holman
Terrylene Sacchetti.
I recognized many people on this film, and they were: Manny Hernandez, Peter Cook, Douglas Ridloff, Lauren Teurel Ridloff, and Ryan Commerson.
I am thrilled that Judy Lieff came to Atlanta and she stayed there for the Q/A session at the end of this premiere. I came to the stage and made a comment that I was very pleased with this film. I was so impressed with her work especially how she incorporated the most complex issues of linguistic and cultural oppression among Deaf people in a 70-minute film. The whole audience agreed with me and cheered on.
Here’s a picture of me with Judy…
I strongly encourage you to make time to see Deaf Jam film documentary when it comes to your town. Please check the website: www.deafjam.org for more information, or check Facebook page, DeafJam.
Best,
Amy Cohen Efron
5 comments on “Deaf Jam Documentary Film”
Steve
The movie was on PBS a few months ago as part of their Independent Lens program. Unfortunately, I did not tape it. Dunno if it wil reappear on tv.
Susan A. Varrone
When I saw the movie with Amy Cohen Efron, I told her that when they showed the informations, timeline, facts of how deaf people feels, so forth. I wanted to jump out of my seat and shout say YES! but I did not do that. I knew the some of the people from the Jewish Communities.
You said it all Amy, Well DONE BIG PAT on Judy!!!
Regards-
Susan
Roberta
Wow!! I got goose bumps just watching you talking about this 70 minute documentary film!! I gotta go see this, no doubt about it. If it’s not coming around here, will ask one of my friend about having it here in NJ which is sure to draw a crowd. Thanksss for sharing this with us!! Have a great day! Ya rock!!
Morales
Interested in hiring Aneta Brodski another Poet that participates in DEAF JAM for a 2 hour event, in Fort Belvoir VA.
It would truly be an honor for us to see just a fine poet. The event will June 21st, 2012. This is a paid job.
Amy
Please go to http://www.deafjam.org to contact them about your interest. I am sure they would be delighted to work with you.