Marlee Matlin Documentary Premieres Sundance Highlights Deaf Advocacy

The documentary 'Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,' directed by Deaf filmmaker Shoshannah Stern, chronicles the groundbreaking career and advocacy of Marlee Matlin, the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival and opening in theaters on June 20, the film uses an immersive storytelling style with American Sign Language and captions, eliminating voiceovers to authentically convey Matlin's experience. It highlights her historic Oscar win for 'Children of a Lesser God,' her roles in 'CODA' and 'The West Wing,' and her tireless fight for inclusion and accessibility for Deaf actors in Hollywood. The documentary features interviews with collaborators like Aaron Sorkin, Troy Kotsur, and Henry Winkler, reflecting on Matlin's lasting impact on the industry. The title reflects Matlin’s emotional response to the 2021 Oscars when 'CODA' and Kotsur were honored 35 years after her own win. Both Matlin and Stern emphasize the film's goal to share Matlin's layered life story and advocate for broader understanding and representation of the Deaf community.