“CODA”, a coming-of-age story about the only hearing member of a deaf family, will change that when it is screened in cinemas with open captions that do not require special equipment.
“It couldn’t be more groundbreaking, just as the film is groundbreaking in support of the deaf community and the hard-of-hearing community,” said Marlee Matlin, who plays a deaf mother in the movie. She is the only deaf performer to ever win an Oscar, for best actress in “Children of a Lesser God” in 1987.
“CODA”, an acronym for “child of deaf adults”, won four awards at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. It will be screened at cinemas in the United States and United Kingdom from Friday, and will also be streamed with full subtitles in more than 36 languages on Apple TV+.
Apple worked with cinema operators to ensure the movie would be played everywhere, for deaf and hearing audiences alike, with the captions burnt into the print, in what is thought to be a first for a feature film release in cinemas.
“It is historic. It is huge for all of us,” said Daniel Durant, a deaf actor who plays son Leo. “This is a day we have waited to see for so many years.”
“CODA” tells the story of high school student Ruby, played by Emilia Jones, who has grown up having to interpret for her deaf father, mother and brother in situations ranging from doctor visits to their small fishing business. The family communicates with sign language, and all three of the deaf characters are played by deaf actors.
Universal appeal
Durant said while some scenes give the specific viewpoint of deaf people, the appeal of “CODA” is universal.
“Anyone can feel connected with it because everyone comes from a family, and every family goes through similar struggles – kids growing up, what they are going to do in their future, becoming independent, moving away from their family,” he said.
Writer-director Sian Heder learnt American Sign Language for the project and wanted to ensure the film was accessible to everyone.
“Oftentimes I think deaf people are left out of the moviegoing experience because of devices that don’t work and lack of devices in theatres,” Heder said.
The filmmakers hope the open caption screenings for “CODA” will persuade other studios to follow their example, and will encourage deaf people to try going to the movies again.
Heder recalled the emotional reaction of a deaf man at a recent screening with the open captions in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where the film was shot.
“He was, like, ‘I don’t go to the movies. I can’t wear those glasses. They make me nauseous. Half the time they don’t work so I’ve just stopped going.’
“He hadn’t seen a movie in the theatre in 10 years and he was very moved and excited.”