Deaf Jam

ASL poetry changed Aneta Brodski's life. Poetry, friendship and respect transcend politics as Aneta finds herself in an unexpected collaboration. RT: 70 min & 53 min versions. Streaming options: Audio Described, Spanish or French sub.
by
judy lieff
2013
70 mins

Deaf Jam is the story of deaf teen Aneta's bold journey into the spoken word slam scene. In a wondrous twist, Aneta, an Israeli immigrant living in the Queens section of New York City, eventually meets Tahani, a hearing Palestinian slam poet. The two artists embark on a collaboration creating a new form of slam poetry that speaks to both the hearing and the Deaf.

Streaming options include Audio Descriptions in English and French and Spanish subtitled versions.

Lively and illuminating...the combination of expressive freedom and unique discipline proves a winner for the students who absolutely shine here.
T. Keogh - Video Librarian Vol. 29 No.3 (May-June 2014 issue)
T. Keogh - Video Librarian Vol. 29 No.3 (May-June 2014 issue)

Synopsis

"Poetry, friendship and respect transcend politics; delightful and endearing, utilizing upbeat music and clever graphics, Deaf Jam immerses us in the richness and complexity of deaf culture and gives us a unique perspective into a world so vibrant, so diverse, it may forever change the way we see the non-hearing."

Barbara Pokras, A.C.E., Woodstock Film Festival.

Available in 70 minute theatrical version or 53 minute broadcast version

Recommended for courses in:

Cinema/Film Studies, Diversity, Multicultural Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Human Rights, Literature, Sociology, Leadership and Performance Studies.

Educational DVD includes:

Beginning to advanced ASL poetry assignments

Complete versions of two poems featured in the film

Additional resources for workshops and use in the classroom

Click on the download button to the right to access the guide.

Reviews
A riveting documentary simply because the deaf Israeli teenager at the center of the film, Aneta Brodski,is so charmingly expressive, especially when she pantomines the sperm and egg dance that led to her birth.: 'And that is me!'
Karen Badt - Huffington Post
Karen Badt - Huffington Post
Read more at: huffingtonpost.com
ASL poetry relies heavily on visuals and movement, and Lieff's film follows suit, with lensing on a variety of digital formats, colorful tech wizardry and fast-paced cutting. A hip soundtrack further adds to the pic's street cred for hearing auds.
Boyd Van Hoeij - Variety
Boyd Van Hoeij - Variety
Read more at: variety.com
Deaf Jam is a documentary you can't take your eyes off of. If you do, you're probably missing the point.
Abigail Darlington - Charleston City Paper
Abigail Darlington - Charleston City Paper
Read more at: charlestoncitypaper.com
Top 10 Films from Bay Area Film Festivals… only one U.S. film makes my Top Ten, though it does make the top spot…
Adam Hartzell - Hell on Frisco Bay
Adam Hartzell - Hell on Frisco Bay
Read more at: hellonfriscobay.blogspot.com

Awards and Screenings
Broadcast Premiere - PBS series, Independent Lens, 2012
Japan Prize - NHK Broadcasting, 2013
Best Documentary – Greenpoint Film Festival, NY, 2012
Best Documentary – The Greater Reading Film Festival, PA, 2012
Emerging Filmmaker Award – Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, 2013
American Film Showcase, 2014

Features and Languages

Film Features

  • Audio Description
  • Closed Captioning
  • DVD Extras
  • Subtitles
  • Resources for Educators

Film/Audio Languages

  • English
  • American Sign Language

Subtitle/Caption Languages

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish/español

Promotional Material

Promotional Stills

A black and white still from the New Day film Deaf Jam. Young ASL poet Aneta Brodski closes her eyes with a vulnerable but dignified expression on her face. She holds out one finger pointed out towards her ear. She wears her curly hair up in a bun and her hoodie is open to show a white top underneath. "Deaf Jame, a film by Judy Lieff" and festival laurels on the cover.

Resources for Educators

File Downloads

Related News

Opens in new window