Deaf Inclusion on Set: Who the Hell is Nigel? Screening + Discussion

Story Money Impact presents a virtual screening of the documentary Who the Hell is Nigel? and panel discussion on October 17th. Watch the film at your convenience and join the conversation about Deaf inclusion on set. 

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ABOUT THE FILM

During the BC COVID-19 news briefings, an unwitting hero is made of Nigel Howard, a Deaf ASL interpreter who became an overnight sensation due to his dynamic interpretation style. Through his rise to fame, the underrepresentation of the Deaf community becomes glaringly evident. Who the Hell is Nigel? is a Deaf-friendly film that spotlights the needs of the Deaf community and models how to fully include them: the film uses split screens to prioritize ASL over captioning, and interpreters’ facial expressions are visible to communicate emotional tone. These are just some of the small ways to prioritize the full inclusion and participation of Deaf people in every facet of society and its joys.

PANELISTS

Ladan Sahraei (she/her) is a pioneering Iranian-Canadian Deaf female filmmaker. As the first Deaf filmmaker in Iran, she has crafted numerous short films and directed two feature documentaries in Canada. Ladan's exceptional work has garnered awards and recognition. With a deep passion for filmmaking, she actively supports the visual and performing arts, painting, and disability representation in film. Ladan's love for creating films and documentaries is boundless. She revels in globetrotting, exploring diverse cultures, and connecting with people from around the world.

Nigel Edwards is a multi-faceted filmmaker known for his captivating and thought-provoking films. Having graduated from Capilano University’s film program he uses a philosophy-infused approach, blending directing, mixed media, and sound design to explore the depths of the human experience. His work spans commercials, music videos, documentaries, and short films, earning him accolades like Best Documentary at the Seattle Deaf Film Festival. These experiences continue to lead Nigel to travel internationally developing projects that reflect his ephemeral yet timeless style of filmmaking.

In 2003, Amanda Richer was chosen to play the principal role of Kendra in the groundbreaking kids show, Deafplanet.com, which aired on TVO and garnered two Gemini Award nominations. Amanda is an award-winning filmmaker with her films, Marianne Matters and Longhand. Amanda's acting credits include Murdoch Mysteries, Transplant, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Ruby and the Well and most recently Close to You with Elliot Page. As an American Sign Language Coach, Amanda has worked on The Shape of Water, Blues Clues & You, and Ginny & Georgia. Amanda created the sign language that Kimiko (The Female) uses on the hit show, The Boys, for Amazon Prime.

MODERATOR

I am Natasha “Courage” Bacchus. I'm a multidisciplinary artist, former 3 times Deaf Olympian Sprinter. I began performing in: The Black Drum, The Two Natasha’s, 21 Black Futures, season four of The Coroner on Netflix and participated in Leelee Oluwatoyosi Eko Davis and Donna Michelle Bernard's method of social justice community and self-discovering of my art. I have participated as an art collaborator with numerous theater and film productions focusing on breaking down gaps of recognized Indigenous and Black Deaf Artists in Canada. I have participated in different roles of multiple positions including an interdisciplinary visual artist, art accessibility consultant, Deaf theater interpretation, and activist for Indigenous and Black Deaf art community in terms of expanding Indigenous and Black Deaf artists representation.