In 1987, Marlee Matlin became the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award and was thrust into the spotlight at 21 years old. Reflecting on her life in her primary language of American Sign Language, Marlee explores the complexities of what it means to be a trailblazer.

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STORY 

The film explores Matlin’s life as a groundbreaking performer, whose meteoric and tumultuous rise to fame started in 1987 when she became the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award for her role in ‘Children of a Lesser God.’ At the age of 21, Matlin was thrust into the national spotlight, becoming for many Americans the first Deaf person they saw on TV and overnight becoming the de-facto representative of the Deaf community. The film boasts never-before-seen home video filmed over the course of Matlin’s 37-year career by her longtime interpreter and producing partner Jack Jason – including footage of Matlin behind the scenes on the sets of some of her most iconic roles, including ‘Children of a Lesser God,’ ‘The West Wing’ and ‘Seinfeld.’ For the first time in her own language, Matlin reflects on her relationship with actor William Hurt, her place in the Deaf community, her fight for roles and accessibility in Hollywood and what it means to be ”the first.” Featuring interviews with Henry Winkler, Aaron Sorkin and Troy Kotsur.

FILMMAKER

Shoshannah Stern first saw herself at seven when Marlee Matlin won her Oscar. This is Stern’s directorial debut. She recurred on Weeds, Supernatural, and Grey’s Anatomy; created, wrote, and starred in SundanceTV’s This Close; and wrote for Marvel’s Echo. Her writing has been in the NYT and LA Times.

REVIEWS

“A tender portrait” - Variety

“A solid, sweet-natured celebration of a unique artist” - Screen International

“A vibrant portrait of a trailblazer…An engaging exuberant portrait of the relentlessly likeable Matlin” - The Hollywood Reporter

“An unguarded portrait of a groundbreaking talent…Matlin shines in this professional and personal and professional tribute” - The Wrap

“There’s something quite moving about watching Matlin tell her own story, on her own terms.” - IndieWire

“This intimate and insightful self-portrait goes beyond the usual celebrity formula to offer a necessary case study in representation.” - POV Magazine

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