First Ever Movie starring Deaf-Blind Actor
"Feeling Through," a short film that will make history by showcasing the first deaf-blind actor in a featured role, is coming to Port Washington.
The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, a division of Helen Keller Services, announced the kick-off of a national screening tour for the film. The New York premiere of the short film will be held on June 25 at the Port Washington Library.
Doug Roland, the film's writer and director, will be on hand. Cast members will also be on-site with HKNC interpreters.
Following the film will be a 25-minute documentary on the making of "Feeling Through," and then a question and answer period.
"Feeling Through" was inspired by Roland's encounter with a deaf-blind man in New York City years ago.
"It occurred to me that I had never met anyone who was deaf-blind before," he stated via press release. "And I certainly had never seen a deaf-blind individual in a film."
In order to accurately represent the deaf-blind community, Roland reached out to HKNC Executive Director Susan Ruzenski. A strong collaborative relationship between them ensued.
"Working with Doug on this project has been an absolute pleasure," she said. "Everyone at HKNC is thrilled for him and the film."
The Port Washington screening of the film is taking place during Deaf-Blind Awareness Week.
The film's New York debut is free to the public and begins at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25 at the Port Washington Library's Lapham Room.