Story of a hearing child in a deaf family CODA: Five Things About The Film

CODA Film: The indie-film CODA, whose title is borrowed from an acronym for Child of Deaf Adult (CODA), made a huge splash at the Sundance Film Festival 2021.

The heartwarming comedy-drama tugged at the heartstrings of the viewers. Now, the film is being showered with praises from all quarters for challenging Hollywood's tendency to not casting actors with disabilities.

Marlee Matlin, the star of Children of a Lesser God, who is also part of CODA termed the film as “the full package” in portraying the deaf community on screen.

The film narrates the story of a culturally deaf family of fishermen who runs a fishing business. Their 17-year-old daughter, Ruby, joins the school choir and develops an interest in music. However, her position as a hearing member in the family puts her in a dilemma. Ruby desires to apply for Boston’s Berklee College of Music and pursue a singing career. Now, the gifted singer is contemplating whether to pursue her dreams or aid in the family business. 

Here are a few interesting facts about CODA:

The original

The film is a remake of an award-winning 2014 French dramedy titled La Famille Bélier.  Éric Lartigau’s directorial bagged six nominations at the 40th César Awards and won the Most Promising Actress for Louane Emera, who played Paula Bélier.

Casting

Actors Troy Kotsur, Daniel Durant, and Marlee Matlin have a common thread that links them. These actors who play Ruby’s family in CODA are the only deaf actors who have won the Academy Award. The film which gives an inside view of deaf culture keeps it real with the cast as well.

The inclusivity

Since the ensemble cast involves several prominent deaf actors, director Sian Heder and Emilia Jones learned to use sign language for the film. Also,  two ASL experts reviewed the script and made the necessary changes needed for authenticity. 

Star of the Sundance Festival 

Writer-director Sian Heder’s CODA created the most buzz in the Sundance festival 2021. The film completely dominated the virtually held awards ceremony this year. It was awarded the Grand Jury Prize, the Audience Award, the Director Award for Heder, and a Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble on Tuesday night.

CODA Film: The heavy bid

CODA already broke a record when Apple Studios picked up the film at a record-smashing $25 million deal after a fierce bidding war following the film’s debut on the festival’s opening night.