But the genre is always up for reinvention, and Jacques Audiard rises to the occasion triumphantly in Cannes competition title Paris 13 th District – exuberantly reinventing his own cinema in the process. Stories of young love in Paris have long been two a sou in French cinema. 25, you can catch Feeling Through at the 2021 Slamdance Film Festival.Dir. Tarango is a trailblazer and hopefully, his remarkable performance will be the catalyst for others, deaf-blind or otherwise, to chase their dreams. Growing up, Tarango idolized Hollywood’s leading men of yesteryear and now he himself is inserted into that storied tradition as Feeling Through moves on through the Academy’s award selection process. “He made the film what it is.”įeeling Through is an important piece of disability representation in cinema. “Having Robert be a part of this wasn’t a challenge,” Roland said in an interview about the importance of working with Tarango to make the film a success. Interpreters took turns illuminating the surrounding area so Tarango could receive directions. For example, because most of the scenes take place at night, there was not ample lighting to facilitate Tarango’s communication. Their dedication to their craft is apparent, as this chemistry shines through in their performances.īecause working with deaf-blind talent was an unprecedented undertaking, unforeseen production challenges required creative accommodations.
Prescod and Tarango spent hours rehearsing their on-camera interactions.
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Roland worked with the Keller Center to learn how to properly choreograph Tactile American Sign Language and Print-on-Palm communication. Tarango’s immediate charisma was palpable and Roland knew he had found his Artie.Īuthentic portrayal was of the utmost importance to the cast and crew. During auditions, Keller Center faculty suggested Tarango apply for the role. Robert Tarango worked as a cafeteria assistant at the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Many talented deaf-blind individuals auditioned, but Roland’s leading man was closer than he expected.
Wanting to approximate the verisimilitude of that fateful night, Roland sought out those most familiar with deaf-blind culture and experiences.Ī nation-wide casting call was held to find an actor to portray the role of Artie. Roland attempted to contact Artie before production began but was unable to find the man. The short was inspired by a real-life encounter Roland had in New York City with a deaf-blind man named Artie. Communication is the ultimate theme, as the two people collectively overcome communicative and social estrangement. The short is an examination of overlooked populations and the act of coming together to help one another. While this does not come naturally to Tereek at first, the night of trust building causes Tereek to open both his mind and his heart. As the duo make their way to Artie’s bus stop, they develop a friendship through adaptive communication. Tereek is flummoxed, but nevertheless guides Artie. After Tereek taps him, Artie extends his elbow, clearly asking for physical guidance.
That is, until he meets Artie, who stands on the sidewalk with a sign indicating his need for assistance.Īpprehensive, Tereek does not know how to help the man. Understandably, his precarious existence results in a guarded demeanor. The unhoused Tereek exists on the margins of society, drifting from couch to couch and hoping he can protect himself from the elements one night at a time. Although he is initially reluctant, Tereek decides to help the man and embarks on a journey that will mark him indelibly. Through his hazardous sojourn on the streets of New York City, Tereek finds a deaf-blind man who needs assistance finding his bus stop.
Taking place over the course of a single night, Feeling Through centers around an unhoused teenager named Tereek, played by Steven Prescod, as he struggles to find shelter. Written and directed by Doug Roland, Feeling Through made history as the first film to star an actor, Robert Tarango, who is both deaf and legally blind. Los Angeles, Feb 18 – On this year’s Oscar Short List for Best Live Action Short Film is Feeling Through.