New movies from Deaf actors, filmmakers, and advocates are now available on Apple TV+.

Apple TV+ just released a new movie about the protests that led to the creation of the university’s first deaf president. This title comes from an award-winning documentary filmmaker who is also a Deaf actor, filmmaker, and advocate.

Documentary scheduled to be released soon Deaf President, now! This film tells the story of a historic university protest that led to the school’s first deaf president while paving the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Nyle DiMarco, a deaf actor, director, and advocate, joined David Guggenheim to direct the film.

Here’s how Apple summarizes the movie:

“Deaf President, Now!” details the historic eight-day protest that took place at Gallaudet University in 1988. The protest comes after the school’s board of directors appointed hearing chairs for several highly qualified deaf candidates. After a week of rallies, boycotts, and protests, Gallaudet University students score a victory as the hearing board president steps down and beloved dean Dr. I. King Jordan becomes the university’s first deaf president. Ta.

This protest marked a pivotal moment in civil rights history, and its impact extended far beyond Gallaudet’s campus, paving the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). “Deaf President, Now!” Exclusive interviews with five key figures in the movement, including the four members of Gallaudet, Jerry Covell, Brigitta Born-Fahr, Tim Lalas, Greg Hrybok, and I. King. -Features an exclusive interview with Jordan, as well as archive and script elements. The film also incorporates an experimental narrative approach called Deaf Perspective, which uses impressionistic visual photography and intricate sound design to immerse audiences in the Deaf experience.

Naturally, the film was created with accessibility, culture, and communication in mind throughout production.

• Def Friends producer Wayne Betts Jr. joined during production and helped create the visual language coined by DiMarco, “visual noise.”
• Betts worked closely with the directors to ensure that everything from the acting to the way the camera moved was true to the Deaf experience.
• DiMarco made it a priority to ensure that American Sign Language (ASL) was meticulously depicted and interpreted in every frame.
• The team brought in consultants Jonaz McMillan and FWD-Doc’s Lindsey Dryden to ensure Deaf lenses are accurately communicated, inclusive hiring is done, and resources are available to address accessibility and communication needs. I confirmed that it was planned.
• More than 40 deaf people, cast members, and crew members participated in the production of the film.

“Deaf President, Now!” fits into Apple’s overarching approach to showcasing original storytelling. Two years ago, “CODA,” which had a mostly deaf cast, won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

We will update the coverage as soon as availability details are announced.

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