Teri Ashford

This is the first and only movie that I have seen that shows what it is like to be a deaf person in a hearing world - where sound - MUSIC! enhances our lives, protects our lives, adds beauty to our lives! It is part of human touch. Imagine never hearing the tone of voice when someone says “I love you” ( Or - I REALLY love you” - as signed by Ruby as she headed off to Berkley. I am the oldest sister of 2 deaf brothers - and have been interpreting for 57 years. I was 5 when I started learning ASL with my parents. My niece, however, is the hearing daughter of 2 deaf parents - and she has been interpreting, assisting, advocating for her two deaf parents since she was 4 or 5. The sign language-NOT scripted ASL that you learn at a class - but the language that you learn and create as a deaf person- in your deaf community- was SO spot on! The facial expressions, the “ percussive” signs when anger, frustration, confusion - were apparent - walked me through my whole childhood! It was PERFECT!! But - the best - and most real and eye awakening scenes- were when they watched Ruby perform at her Fall Concert - & had no clue as to how emotional that could be to a hearing person. They saw a woman crying -& and had no idea why. They were talking about dinner. And THEN - the fade out - of all sound, the blurring of everyone except Rubies deaf family- seeing lips move- but hearing nothing Spectacular sound and cinematography directing! I have NEVER - not heard anything - especially my child’s beautiful voice. I kept wishing Ruby would sign the song then - but she didn’t. I was heartbroken then and hoped for a chance to see her sign her music. Then uplifted when her father asked her to sing - and “listened” by feeling her vocal chords as she sang. I was treated at the end when she signed Joanie Mitchell’s “ Clouds” at her Berkeley audition to her parents in the balcony. Her sign language was spot on- her facial expressions were exactly what I do - and see in the deaf community. Many people may not get this - but I hope they do! It is about coming of age, families sticking together, owning your passion, family commitment WITHOUT giving up commitment to yourself - and proving that people of any ability can start a business, have better ideas - and once they stand up for themselves - they can do more than you imagine !! I LOVED this movie - and thank you for doing it!!!