Helen Keller National Center and Filmmaker Doug Roland Make Film History
New film to feature DeafBlind actor, the first time ever in a lead role.
Sands Point, NY, September 29, 2018 --(PR.com)-- Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC), a division of Helen Keller Services (HKS), has announced an innovative collaboration with filmmaker Doug Roland that will feature – for the first time ever – a DeafBlind actor in a lead role. The announcement was made by HKNC Executive Director Susan Ruzenski.
"The idea for the film, Feeling Through, is unique and compelling,” observes Ruzenski. “With Doug’s help we have a rare opportunity to further HKNC's mission to promote DeafBlind awareness.”
Feeling Through grew from Roland's own experience, an encounter with a DeafBlind man in New York City. "I challenged myself to learn how to communicate with him," says Roland. "Later it occurred to me, I had never met anyone who was DeafBlind before, and I had certainly never seen a DeafBlind person in a film. The experience had a significant impact on me. I knew I wanted to bring it to life in a film."
Committed to accurately representing the DeafBlind community, Roland reached out to HKNC, which immediately recognized the opportunity, and a strong collaborative relationship has developed between the filmmaker and HKNC as they make film history together.
“We're especially excited that when complete, the film will be widely accessible and free for any nonprofit to use for outreach and education,” concludes Ruzenski. “That will mean an even greater chance to promote acceptance and inclusion of DeafBlind individuals."
Casting is underway for Feeling Through, with filming scheduled for early November. Please visit www.seedandspark.com/fund/feeling-through#story for more information, to view a video, or to make a secure, tax-deducible crowdfunding donation towards the film’s production.
About Helen Keller Services/ Helen Keller National Center
Headquartered in Sands Point, New York, HKNC provides comprehensive vocational and independent living training on a national level to youths and adults who are deaf-blind. It offers support and learning opportunities to professionals and family members and maintains a National Registry of Persons who are deaf-blind. The Center partners with other agencies across the United States to build their capacity to work with individuals who are deaf-blind.
For more information, go to www.helenkeller.org/hknc.
About Filmmaker Doug Roland
Based in Los Angeles and raised in NYC, Doug Roland is an independent filmmaker with a passion for telling stories about often overlooked individuals and communities. His most recent film has garnered awards in film festivals worldwide and has had more than 15 million views online.
"The idea for the film, Feeling Through, is unique and compelling,” observes Ruzenski. “With Doug’s help we have a rare opportunity to further HKNC's mission to promote DeafBlind awareness.”
Feeling Through grew from Roland's own experience, an encounter with a DeafBlind man in New York City. "I challenged myself to learn how to communicate with him," says Roland. "Later it occurred to me, I had never met anyone who was DeafBlind before, and I had certainly never seen a DeafBlind person in a film. The experience had a significant impact on me. I knew I wanted to bring it to life in a film."
Committed to accurately representing the DeafBlind community, Roland reached out to HKNC, which immediately recognized the opportunity, and a strong collaborative relationship has developed between the filmmaker and HKNC as they make film history together.
“We're especially excited that when complete, the film will be widely accessible and free for any nonprofit to use for outreach and education,” concludes Ruzenski. “That will mean an even greater chance to promote acceptance and inclusion of DeafBlind individuals."
Casting is underway for Feeling Through, with filming scheduled for early November. Please visit www.seedandspark.com/fund/feeling-through#story for more information, to view a video, or to make a secure, tax-deducible crowdfunding donation towards the film’s production.
About Helen Keller Services/ Helen Keller National Center
Headquartered in Sands Point, New York, HKNC provides comprehensive vocational and independent living training on a national level to youths and adults who are deaf-blind. It offers support and learning opportunities to professionals and family members and maintains a National Registry of Persons who are deaf-blind. The Center partners with other agencies across the United States to build their capacity to work with individuals who are deaf-blind.
For more information, go to www.helenkeller.org/hknc.
About Filmmaker Doug Roland
Based in Los Angeles and raised in NYC, Doug Roland is an independent filmmaker with a passion for telling stories about often overlooked individuals and communities. His most recent film has garnered awards in film festivals worldwide and has had more than 15 million views online.
Contact
Helen Keller National Center
Lloyd Singer
631.427.1713
www.helenkeller.org
Epoch 5 Public Relations
Lloyd Singer
631.427.1713
www.helenkeller.org
Epoch 5 Public Relations
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