Exclusive: Global Digital Releasing has announced that it has acquired North American rights to Sign the Show, the deaf cultures documentary by director Cat Brewer. Featuring Kelly Clarkson, D.L. Hughley, André 3000, Andrew Santino, Camryn Manheim, Waka Flocka, DJ Whoo Kid, and more, the documentary focuses on the deaf community’s quest for access to live entertainment.
“Celebrities and activists from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, including Matt Maxey, Nyle DiMarco, Julie Rems-Smario, and Premium Geek, also make appearances alongside popular American Sign Language interpreters to discuss accessibility and inclusion at live performances with heart, humor, and insight,” says the announcement.
Sign The Show will be screened at Laemmle’s Monica Film Center today, September 20, and their NoHo 7 Location on 9/21, followed by a fully accessible Q&A with the filmmaker and EP Matt Maxey plus special guests, but the official release on digital will happen sometime this fall.
“I had attended music concerts for 35+ years before seeing a sign language interpreter at a show. It was 2014, and I was completely ignorant; I didn’t realize Deaf & HOH individuals enjoyed going to concerts. After speaking with the interpreter and then communicating with the Deaf concertgoers via the interpreter, I was shocked and upset when I learned about the incredible challenges this community faces when trying to access live entertainment, something I’ve taken for granted my entire life,” said Brewer in a statement.
“I shared my unsettled feelings with a friend who encouraged me to make a documentary…so I did. My hope is that Sign the Show will create a cultural shift in the entertainment industry by making open access to live entertainment the norm for a more inclusive world.”
Flocka, Maxey, Sara Hirsh Bordo, and Claudia Lin Cunningham executive produce.
