Hear and Now (2007)

A documentary memoir following a filmmaker's deaf parents as they receive a complex surgical implant, which allows them to experience sound for the first time.

Director:

Irene Taylor Brodsky

Writer:

Irene Taylor Brodsky

Stars:

Sally Taylor, David Taylor, Paul Taylor

3 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Sally Taylor	...	Herself
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
David Taylor	...	David Taylor
Paul Taylor	...	Paul Taylor

Storyline

In this deeply personal memoir, filmmaker Irene Taylor Brodsky documents her deaf parents' complex decision to leave their world of silence and undergo a dangerous surgery to get cochlear implants -- the only one of its kind that can restore a sense. At the age of 65, Paul and Sally Taylor decided they wanted to hear their first symphonies, hear their children's' voices, and talk on the phone. How will this operation transform them, their relationship with each other, and the deaf world they might leave behind? This is a story of two people taking a journey from silence to sound. The question is, what will they make of it, and what might they gain -- or lose -- forever?

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Plot Keywords:

deaf | deaf parent | cochlear implant | deafness | family relationships

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 January 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Akoi edo kai tora

Company Credits

Production Co:

Vermilion Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Excellent film

Wonderful film about the film maker's parents who grew-up deaf and decide to get cochlear implants when they turned 65.

For me as an engineer and who has worked with deaf folks, this was fascinating to see the prologue to the surgery and the aftermath.

This film should be required viewing for anyone considering cochlear implants so that they will know how their lives may change and what realistic expectations they should have.

I also wish to note that Paul Taylor, the deaf father, was instrumental in the invention and development of TTY technology. While not widespread among the hearing, TTY technology is a landmark development analogous to the development of the telephone was for the hearing. So, even just on historical grounds, this film is important.

It is nice also, that the deaf mother's parents are still alive at the time of the film, so it is nice to see them have their daughter finally hear after 6.5 decades.

This is a deeply personal piece by Irene Taylor Brodsky and I had tears, smiles, and many laughs my entire time watching it. I wish to thank her for this film and for HBO for presenting it.