Interview with director and DeafBlind actor from “Feeling Through”

Renca Dunn, Daily Moth Reporter: Feeling Through (shows sign) is a short film made in 2019 that was nominated for an Oscar for best live-action short film.

[Clip of the film from the film trailer]

Feeling Through is the first film ever to have a DeafBlind person as the lead role of a film. The actor is Robert Tarango. The director of that movie is Doug Roland. That story is based on Doug, the director’s personal experience when he first met a DeafBlind person.

[Clip showing four-way Zoom call between Renca, Doug, Robert, and an interpreter, then it goes into a close-up of Doug and the interpreter]

Doug: So, ten years ago I was living in New York City and that’s where I was born and raised. So, late at night I was traveling home and noticed a man standing there with a cane and a sign saying “Please tap me to help me across the street”. I guided him to the bus and it was the same situation as in the film. I noticed the bus was coming later, so I stayed and it was natural. I wasn’t sure how to communicate because I don’t sign so I just drew on his hand and for over an hour, we chatted using that method.

[Clip of Feeling Through film from the film trailer]

Renca: We were curious about Robert’s personal experience as a DeafBlind person. In real life, does he need help with transportation? What is his personal experience?

[Clip showing four-way Zoom call between Renca, Doug, Robert, and an interpreter, then it goes into a close-up of Robert]

Robert: In my experience, I’ve been using the same route from Mondays through Fridays for a long time. I’m independent but sometimes I need to ask for help sometimes, like if I miss a stop. For example, if my colleague who I travel with is sick and I have to go somewhere else, it’s tough for me. Sometimes if I get tired, I may miss a stop and need help. When I ask strangers, hopefully they’re a good person, but I must show respect and smile when I ask for help. Writing back and forth is an easy way to communicate with each other. Sometimes the stranger has never seen a DeafBlind person before and doesn’t know what to do. I can see a little bit so I write what I need, they point to where I need to go, and I thank them and go. I used to have good vision in the limited area where I can see, but it’s been getting worse and I have to try my best. It’s tough and not easy for me, so I do need help sometimes but am still independent.

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Renca: We asked Doug how he feels about his short film’s Oscar nomination.

[Clip showing four-way Zoom call between Renca, Doug, Robert, and an interpreter, then it goes into a close-up of Doug and the interpreter]

Doug: I’m excited and honored to be nominated for the Oscar. As a filmmaker, that’s the highest honor you can get. So, I’m really grateful that they recognized my work, and what’s even more important is that from then on, since writing the story and making the movie, we’ve had this discussion and are raising awareness about the DeafBlind community and about accessibility. Now that we’ve been nominated for the Oscar, many people have been watching and it has a message to share with the world, so we’re really grateful for that. Many people have become aware.

Renca: Thank you, Doug and Robert for your time. We’ve shared two links in the transcript. One link is to the film Feeling Through, and the other link leads to a video about the behind the scenes of Feeling Through.

Full screen text with image of Marlee Matlin: “In December, Marlee Matlin joined the “Feeling Through” team as an Executive Producer. She has been promoting the film through interviews with news channels and talk shows. She told ‘The Daily Moth’ that she loved the film and its authentic representation.”

Renca: The Oscar awards will be given on April 25 at 8pm Eastern time.

Film: https://www.feelingthrough.com/

Behind the Scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq-DlHxPEBY

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