This video is an ASL interpretation of Pharrell Williams’s “Happy.” An expression of music in ASL composed by Rosa Lee Timm and Azora Telford. The video was produced by a team of Deaf campers & staff from Deaf Film Camp 2014 at Camp Mark Seven.
This year has been monumental for deaf representation in film and television. From Netflix crime thrillers to award-winning international cinema, deaf actors and actresses are commanding the screen in roles that showcase their full range—not just as “deaf characters,” but as complex, multi-dimensional humans.
The Oscar Winner Returns as a Deaf Mobster
Fresh off his historic 2022 Oscar win for CODA, Troy Kotsur returned in 2025 with his most unexpected role yet: Joe Mancuso, a ruthless deaf mob boss in Netflix’s crime thriller Black Rabbit.
Why It Matters:
In his own words: “It was really fun for me to develop this character, a fresh take and a new perspective. It will open up new roles in the future, I hope. We’re not just actors who use sign language, we’re characters and we can play all different types of characters.”
Watch the trailer: https://www.netflix.com/title/81630027
Berlinale Winner & Spain’s Oscar Submission
Spanish deaf actress Miriam Garlo delivered what critics are calling the performance of the year in Eva Libertad’s Deaf (Sorda), a deeply personal film about a deaf woman navigating motherhood.
The Achievement:
The Story: Ángela (Garlo) is a deaf pottery artist expecting a baby with her hearing partner, Héctor (Álvaro Cervantes). The film intimately explores her fears about connecting with a hearing daughter in a world that refuses to accommodate her needs.
Why It Resonates:
Critical Acclaim:
January 23 – February 2, 2025
Two groundbreaking deaf-directed documentaries premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival:
1. “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore”
2. “Deaf President Now!”
Authentic Casting = Authentic Stories
Beyond “The Deaf Character”
Global Recognition
STREAMING NOW:
THEATRICAL/INTERNATIONAL:
What deaf actors are saying about 2025:
Troy Kotsur on playing against type: “We can play ALL different types of characters.”
Eva Libertad (director, Deaf): “We have been preparing our whole lives to make this film.”
Miriam Garlo on representation: “It’s about exploring the complexity of the bond between the deaf and hearing worlds.”
Coming 2026:
DeafActors #TroyKotsur #MiriamGarlo #BlackRabbit #Sorda #DeafFilm #ASL #DeafRepresentation #Berlinale2025 #Netflix #Sundance2025 #DeafCinema #AuthenticCasting #DeafCulture #Oscar2026
2025 is turning out to be a MOMENT for deaf storytelling!
We’ve got City of New York TWO major documentaries making waves this year – “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore” and “Deaf President Now!” – and they’re getting Emmy nominations! 👏👏👏
But here’s the tea ☕: While CODA opened doors and gave us Troy Kotsur’s historic Oscar win, 68% of deaf viewers say they can tell when a deaf character has been written by a hearing person Variety. We FEEL the difference!
What we’re fighting for: ✅ Deaf actors (we got that!) ✅ Deaf writers & directors (still waiting…) ✅ Stories that go BEYOND “being deaf” ✅ Authentic representation
The bottom line: It’s not just about giving us roles. Deaf people and deaf creators need a seat at the table to tell our OWN stories.
Greg Hlibok, student leader of the 1988 Deaf President Now protest, breaks down the movement that transformed Deaf history. In this exclusive interview, he reacts to the new Apple TV+ documentary, reveals behind-the-scenes moments, and reflects on how the protest helped spark the ADA.
From the fight for Deaf leadership at Gallaudet University to building political momentum in Congress, Greg shares what really happened — and what still matters today.
Angela’s deafness raises concerns during her pregnancy regarding connecting with her daughter. Post-delivery, partner Héctor supports her as she learns to mother in a society lacking adequate accommodations for the hearing-impaired.
Chuck Baird shares his experiences as an artist, a Deaf artist, or a De’VIA artist (aka Deaf View/Image Art movement founded in 1989). This feature-length film showcases his professional and personal journey from beginning to end, including several close-up interviews. The film is text accessible in most languages, with English voice-overs and closed captions available for non-signers.
Through Deaf Eyes explores almost 200 years of Deaf life in America and presents a broad range of perspectives on what it means to be deaf. The film is propelled by the stories of people, both eminent and ordinary, and sheds light on events that have shaped Deaf lives.
Whether you love drama, comedy, or documentaries, there’s something here for you:
Over four days (October 16-October 19, 2025), Gallaudet University will be hosting the Deaf Way Film Festival to spotlight and celebrate productions created by deaf* filmmakers and deaf professionals in the film industry. The festival will be open to the public, including those who do not know about deaf culture or use American Sign Language. More information about tickets will be forthcoming.
*The deaf community is defined as Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and hard of hearing.
Sinners begins streaming exclusively on HBO Max on July 4, including Black American Sign Language interpretation with Nakia Smith.
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