Lady Filmmakers Film Festival 2018 - Deaf Brown Gurl
Sign Language Poetry film shot in India. In American Sign Language with English voice-over and subtitle
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Sabina England
Watch Deaf Brown Gurl here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I was looking for an idea to make a sign language poetry film. I wrote and performed a poem called Deaf Brown Gurl, which I had performed at a few festivals in St. Louis, Washington DC and San Francisco. People told me they really loved it and that the poem was powerful. So I thought it was the perfect poem to use for a short film and I wanted to experiment with aesthetics of storytelling and cinematography.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
To help you understand my struggle, the experiences I went through as a ‘deaf brown gurl’, the kind of struggle that millions of others, who also have disabilities or are very different from everyone in their communities, go through on Earth. It's an universal story of humanity, of being a human being struggling to get by in a world of billion souls
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
It's about growing as a very lonely alienated child and then learning to love and accept myself. Many people can relate to it because unfortunately too many of us are taught from a young age to hate and criticize ourselves.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
It was originally a poem, and then expanded to a longer poem, kind of like a song, with voice over and beats. I shot a lot of b-roll in random places. Then I filmed sign language scenes in a backdrop studio. I just started putting it all together with images in my head. There were no storyboards or anything like that. I just went with the flow.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Good and positive. I've heard that a few people cried watching the film, which made me feel really good, knowing that I've made an impact on their emotions.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
No, it just made me glad that so many could relate to my video and I was told that there were people with other kinds of disabilities who loved it and felt really touched. The positive feedback made me feel more motivated to go and keep doing my thing. I know that I'm not wasting my time, after all.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I would love to get more opportunities to collaborate and work with other filmmakers on various projects about human rights and social issues. I am working on two film project ideas and I'm always happy to have others step in and work with me.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I am looking to connect with more producers, film festival directors, and journalists. I could use some funding for two projects that I am working on. I'm also grateful for any exposure opportunity so I would do interviews and answer questions as well.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
To help people understand that it's okay to be different and angry. That you're not alone. That we're all struggling and going through a very dark time in our lives and it's normal.
Would you like to add anything else?
I will perform four shows at New York International Fringe festival on October, 2018 so if anyone of you out there live in New York City, you should come out and see my shows. I'm also available for bookings. check my website http://www.SabinaEngland.com
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am working on storyboards for a new sign language poetry music video called D.E.A.F, which will have cyberpunk aesthetics and themes. I have a friend who is working to create visual special effects. I am currently scouting for a music talent. I'm taking my sweet time working on a screenplay for my next narrative short film, a sci-fi thriller film inspired by the X-Files.
Interview: September 2018
DEAF BROWN GURL
Sign Language Poetry film shot in India. In American Sign Language with English voice-over and subtitles.
Length: 00:09:20
Director: Sabina England
Producer: Sabina England
Writer: Sabina England
Key cast: Sabina England
Twitter: @sabinaengland
Instagram: @Sabina_England
Made in association with: Rani Azaad Films
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Lady Filmmakers Film Festival 2018 in Beverly Hills and YouTube