The Toronto International Deaf Film and Arts Festival (TIDFAF) goal is to promote cultural diversity, educational awareness and the celebration of emerging "Deaf Cinema" through the visual medium.
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Universal Signs, a groundbreaking "silent" film, presented in mesmerizing American Sign Language (ASL) with English subtitles, touches the hearts and minds of hearing and Deaf audiences alike.
After the death of his fiancée’s daughter while in his care, Andrew (Anthony Natale, Mr.
Holland’s Opus), a Deaf artist, becomes a prisoner of his own mind. Tormented day and
night by memories and self-blame, Andrew falls in a downward spiral of depression and
anger that alienates everyone around him. It is only through a serendipitous friendship
and new love with Mary (Sabrina Lloyd, Sports Night) that Andrew is able to sense the
life around him – forgive himself, rediscover his muse and experience the transformative
power of love.
An original score by Academy Award® winner Joseph Renzetti propels the story along
with stellar supporting performances from Margot Kidder (Superman), Robert Picardo
(Star Trek: Voyager), Deanne Bray (Sue Thomas: FBEye) and Ashlyn Sanchez (Crash).
Anthony Natale
“Andrew d’Anjou”
Mr. Holland’s Opus
Sabrina Lloyd
“Mary Callahan”
Sports Night
Directed and Written by: Ann Calamia
Produced by: Catherine Miller, Ann Calamia and Lupe Ontiveros
Thursday, May 21st, 2009 at Innis Town Hall