Sayang Wayang: DeAf Jam (2010)

Thursday, 10 May 2012

DeAf Jam (2010)


In the hands of a talented poet, shapes in relation to one another

At a glance:

Here's what the literature says: "In DeAf Jam, Aneta Brodski seizes the day. She is a deaf teen introduced to American Sign Language (ASL) Poetry, who then boldly enters 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 young women embark on a hearing/deaf collaboration, a performance duet that is a metaphor for the complex realities they share."

Aneta Brodski, The Deaf Jew Poet

Bad news on the doorstep:

It was my first time at the historic Bloor Cinema where I viewed this, thanks to a chance invite from the friendly Jews. This 70min documentary (53min if you saw it on TV) doesn't particularly have an organised runup to the slam poetry climax, so helmer Judy Lieff benefits from havin the winsome tenacity that is Aneta Brodski as the main draw. Doesn't half hurt that she's quite attractive as well. My screenin had Lieff and Tahani in attendance - but they don't look entirely convincin when answerin the floor about whether the Israeli-Palestinian pairin was purely coincidental. While nothin is trivialised, one however does feel there's nothin immediately useful here to add to the political discussion other than a token "peace is possible."

Perennial wonderment:

Is it really true that some deaf people refuse cochlear implants because they are proud to be deaf?

Reminds me of:

The only deaf person I know - a colleague at the place I used to work.

I can't remember if I cried:
There was this bit when two deaf characters walk past a park with people playin music loudly and an exchange ensues about how wonderful it must be like to hear voices. As a hearie (one that hears), I've never spared a thought for anyone who could only dig vibrations. Clever use of muted mufflin at appropriate moments in the film help highlight what it must be like for someone who doesn't hear.

Watch out for:
A particularly lively and humourous performance where Brodski signs a strugglin sperm that goes all the way, beatin all others to penetratin the egg, symbolisin her victory in the world, to have been born.
Amacam joker, berapa bintang lu mau kasi?
Three and a half stars. Admirable work to put this out, especially since Lieff told the floor that it took 10 years to complete. For further readin, check out its official website and the trailer below.
Trailer for the curious: