DEAF ADVOCACY: DO OR DIE

"It takes a Deaf village to make things work for a Deaf Individual. Yes, a village of people with common goal. There is one problem affecting in every Deaf community...the Crab theory at work...when a Deaf person is successful, there is always a tendency for someone from within the Deaf Community who would backstab and pull that person down to their level. It is difficult at times when someone spreads lies and rumors to discredit any leader. It is also a plantation mentality at work where some Deaf leaders tend to screw things up and brown nose some hearing people. They act like they know what they are doing when they do waste time fighting with others who do not agree or wanted something changed. Just like "WHO MOVED MY CHEESE?", the majority of Deaf community tends to refuse to accept the new changes. It is DO or DIE!"

"For deaf advocacy to work, the Deaf Community must band together and request for social changes to improve lives and services for us all. Time and money are lost when no one is responsible for actions in deaf advocacy! Millions and millions of community dollars have been wasted! Audism spreads while good Deaf people do nothing!"

Likewise Patrick Henry said," Give me liberty or death!", it is a do or die issue for deaf community globally! We need to combat audism! It is now or never!

DEAF CULTURE 101 - TELL ME ABOUT IT?

Will you be interested in helping me making a video "DEAF CULTURE 101"? Tell me your story? Give me 5 minutes of your story about your experience growing up deaf and how you encounter hearing people at store. Anything where communicaiton is messed up due to misunderstanding.

Send your inquiries to info@deafimages.tv.

Thank you!

Paul Kiel
Deaf Images

Looking Back: "TO BE DEAF OR NOT TO BE DEAF"

---

---

Looking Back:  "TO BE DEAF OR NOT TO BE DEAF"

I remember a long time ago when I was a young child. There was a confusion about who I was in the hearing world. I knew I was Deaf and will  NEVER  match up to hearing in terms of communications.

Hearing people are always punishing us for not being equal in terms of oral communications. We always have speech problems no matter how many years of oral training was done.

More or less, it makes no difference. The results are the same. It is that some hearing people are used to the voice and speech problems of the Deaf. Any hearing person not familiar with it will react in negative way. NO matter how hard we try, the results are the same!

A better solution is to write notes to clarify what we were trying to say.

More or less, the results will be the same! Still problematic! Why? 'Cuz some hearing people can't read notes and make excuses NOT to read notes...that is their "hearing" attitude"! The results are the same!!!

It is hearing people's problem for not taking the time nor taking compassionate view...more or less, it is the same!!!

Oh, well! Life is a Beach! If they cannot understand us, it is their frigging problem! Not mine!

To heck with them! We will continue using ASL as it is fun and entertaining to watch sign language.

It is easier to do it than using voices and trying to please hearing people.

More or less! They need to take the time to understand our culture and language.

It is their problem! Not Mine!

Heck! It is only a sign language!

---

Author's note: The biography of Paul Kiel is explained in this book, "TO BE DEAF OR NOT TO BE DEAF" targeting to be out real soon. Here are some pictures from the book.

---

---

WHAT THE HELL IS DEFICIT THINKING?

---

---

---

A satirical video about the issue being discussed.

---

---

ARE YOU AN OSTRICH?

---

---

---

---

ARE YOU AN OSTRICH?

This is analogy of whoever is not into deaf advocacy. For years there has been so many issues affecting the Deaf community. The hardest part is no one bothered to take responsibility for actions and provide support for advocacy. It is a serious issue that needs your input into advoacy for the deaf community. Apathy hurts the chances and the future of the Deaf community.

In the picture, an ostrich is sticking her head in the ground to avoid facing the issues. It was designed for local area and now it is nationwide and probably globally. We need active leaders to pursue our rights as deaf citizens.

Are you that ostrich?

---

---

POLICE BRUTALITY CASES AGAINST DEAF REACHES 99.5%!!!

---

---

This video presentation is about the discovery of a large number of brutality cases against Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens. It is at a shocking 99.5% the last 7 years.

---

---

---

Learn about DEAFWARN! Visit www.deafimages.tv!

GSLAD Launches Missouri Video Relay Service - MOVRS

---

GSLAD Launches Missouri Video Relay Service - MOVRS
We are ahead of the curve for Deaf and Hard of Hearing!

Contact:
Paul Kiel - info@gslad.org
Marketing Coordinator for MOVRS

St. Louis, Missouri, December 8, 2007 - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Missourians will enjoy an effective and simpler way to make phone calls with today's launch of MOVRS (Missouri Video Relay Service). GSLAD has entered into partnership with CSDVRS, LLC to implement MOVRS. This is a tremendous opportunity for GSLAD as they form an affiliate outreach partnership with CSDVRS, LLC.

MOVRS allows Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers using Sign Language to reach video interpreters using their videophone or webcam to communicate with any hearing person. The trained and qualified interpreters are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The VRS user can dial any number using videophone or webcam to connect to a live Video Interpreter. The Video Interpreter can facilitate communication between the sign language user and the hearing person.

MOVRS becomes a driving force in empowering deaf and hard of hearing Missourians to focus on increased awareness and accessibility.

“GSLAD is ahead of the curve by providing a community service in partnership with CSDVRS. We need to have a variety of choices to meet individual needs. CSDVRS is recognized as a leader in provision of services and this, is a good time for us to benefit from the new service,” said Jeffrey Willoughby, GSLAD President. “MOVRS is a useful communication tool. It enables Deaf and Hard of Hearing users to have functional equivalency.”

“GSLAD has a mission to provide a variety of opportunities to the deaf and hard of hearing community. MOVRS is a perfect addition to their mission,” said Tim Rarus, Vice President of Sales for CSDVRS. “In addition, CSDVRS is committed to working with an organization that is as passionate as GSLAD in accomplishing their mission of providing opportunities for their fellow Deaf and Hard of Hearing Missourians.”

** For widest possible distribution - logo of MOVRS is attached.

AG BELL SHOULD BE ASHAMED!

When I read the letter and memo that AG Bell distributed, it reeks of ignorance and audism. It is the same ignorance that the hearing people as well as those brown nosed deafies have perpetuated since 1880.

See link about that letter: AG BELL LETTER/MEMO

It is still 128 years of oppression, ignorance, egoism, paternalism, and perpetuation of lies fostered by AG Bell and his cronies.

Don't you see the truth that happened in the late 19th century? He stole the invention of telephone from Meucci? Once a liar is always a liar!

Anyone who kisses up or follow AG Bell are considered the enemy of the D/deaf.

This is becoming a reality of Deaf Wars. It has been going on since 1880.

I congratulate DBC of Indiana for doing good job as well as DBC. I will give my support to DBC for the rest of my breathing life.

I am pleased with its website as well as its mission statement.

This is long overdue.

I am victim of oral abuses so I know what it has been like being in oral programs that are moot with the needs of deaf community.

May the force be with us!

Paul =)

DEAF ADVOCACY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN THE 21st CENTURY...

---

DEAF ADVOCACY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN THE 21st CENTURY:MAKE A RESOLVE TO DO IT!

---

---

---

Paul's note:

I am pleased to present a six part series about Deaf Advocacy and its implications in the 21st century. Let's make a resolve to do it! After the past 128 years of audism and oppression, it is time to band together. We can determine what is going to work in our favor.

Please review this video presentation and see for the next upcoming videos.

Thanks,

Paul J. Kiel

Remembering Washoe...

Upon finding out Washoe's death this morning, it brought back flood of memories at Gallaudet College (now University). I was interested in going to a presentation. There was a lot of discussions about a monkey that knew sign language. I did not believe it. I was remembering the movies during that time, "The Planet of Apes". It was shown back in 1968 a few years before I saw Washoe or other chimpanzees.

When I saw Washoe using sign language, it was interesting and shocking. I kept asking myself if it was a parlor trick or some kind of rehearsed tricks like dogs at circus.

Even tho, it was to debate the cognitive of another species..it was interesting concept and a challenge. They have other chimpanzees that they still use sign language.

Even tho, it may not happen for a million years! Would it be the day the chimpanzees take over the world?

Will they be our partners? or enemies? Who knows?

It is just a pure science fiction!

So long, Washoe! It was interesting observing her using sign language.

=)

November 1, 2007

FOLLOW UP ON MISSOURI DEAF COMMUNITY'S LOST CONFIDENCE IN MISSOURI TERPS:

---

---

In follow up to several inquiries about Missouri Deaf Community's lost confidence in Missouri Interpreters.

Several incidents the past few months have lead us to lose confidence.

Some interpreters may be rotten apples at the bottom of barrel.

This is to clarify not all interpreters are that way, however they need to kick those bad apples out and set them straight on the right track.

Where is the peer pressure to make them to do the right things?

There was an incident where an interpreter told a deaf advocate to sit down during the meeting when that person tried to make a discussion.

There was an incident where some interpreters had heated arguments with some deaf advocates at a recent meeting.

There is an issue about using NIC. (National Interpreting Certification)

They prefer that NIC, Advanced and Masters all go into Level 5 MICS (Missouri).

We preferred that Masters go to Level 5, Advanced go to Level 4 and NIC go to Level 3.

They got into heated arguments... and showed disrespect to us.

As a compromise, we suggested Masters and Advanced go to Level 5. NIC go to Level 4.

Some are not too happy about it. Some even threatened to use lawyer to settle this matter.

There have been some meetings that they excluded deaf consumers.

Is it in violation of Missouri's Sunshine law?

There will be a meeting soon to review it.

We do question the legitimacy of certification of certain interpreters. Some cannot do the job, yet they are "certified". They cannot even read when we use ASL. We do not need to use our voices to make them understand. They lack perception skills so why are they certified?

I thank many people for responding publicily and privately on this issue. I do agree it is important to bring it out in open and review those matters that are dear to our hearts.

We do need interpreters and at the same time, they need to respect us and respect the ethics that are provided to make them professional.

We do wish there is a sound system where grievances can be heard and have due process taken care of those bad apples.

When the system is corrected, we may have new confidence in Missouri Interpreters.

Thanks,

Paul J. Kiel

A tireless Deaf Advocate

October 17, 2007

---

MIssouri Deaf Community Has No Confidence in Missouri Interpreters...

MIssouri Deaf Community Has No Confidence in Missouri Interpreters...

The ripple effect is expanding in its circles across this state of Missouri.

There is ongoing issue that may pit interpreters against the Missouri Deaf Community.

The winds of change is happening in the air.

Lately, the issue had boiled down to what the hearing people wanted.

It is same old excuse for years and years.

It reeks of audism.

Should we nominate them to the Hall of Shame?

Have they got no shame?

Have they contacted us for review and discussion about issues on interpreting matters?

Why do we need teeth in laws protecting our consumer rights on interpreting?

Do hearing people practice in reality the true partnerships in deaf community?

With the recent updates in interpreter certification, it is deja vu all over again.

The interpreters will steamroll us as well as walk over us to get what they want.

They lack the true understanding of our proud Deaf culture.

Is it greed?

Is it politics?

Is it fair to the Deaf community?

Just because they know how to use sign language, they think they are right in determining the future of interpreting.

It is the consumers who decide the fate of who is qualified in interpreting.

Like a saying goes in business world, the customer is always right!

This is where and how consumer needs protection, respect and satisfication.

The interpreters need to do homework and get on the right track.

If interpreters want to play dirty, then it is up to the deaf community to take them to task for their unprofessionalism, disrespect, abuses and power mongering.

Like Harry Truman said, "the buck stops here!", it is time for everyone to stop passing the buck.

Let's get serious and take them to task for their recent behavior in the public forum.

The attitude and behavior were not acceptable.

This is how and why Missouri Deaf Community has NO confidence in Missouri interpreters!

LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES!

Dear Film lovers and anyone who loves arts:

Just in couple more days, SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL will come alive with
activities planned for Thursday, September 27, Friday, September 28 and Saturday,
September 29.

Tickets are still on sale as there are some seats left. If you have not
bought one, it is time to ACT NOW! It is only $40.00 for combo ticket. You get
to see all movies and eat food! You get to meet new and old friends. There
is cash bar available all three nights at the new clubhouse.

Let's go to the movies! Check out the schedule for three exciting days of
events! Come one! Come all! Any questions, feel free to contact Paul Kiel,
SMDFF Coordinator at paul@deafimages.tv...

Check us out at www.deafimages.tv!!

The list of activities are:

SMDFF SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE


September 27, 28 and 29, 2007

GSLAD Hall – 2190 Creve Couer Mill Road, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043

Contact Person: Paul Kiel, SMDFF Coordinator

e-mail: paul@deafimages.tv

more info on website at www.deafimages.tv

SMDFF Schedule:

Thursday, September 27

4 p.m. – The doors open at GSLAD for registration.

5 p.m. - Cash Bar and Appetizers – Finger foods

6:30 pm

Introduction of Show Me Deaf Film Festival - Paul Kiel

a. No Smoking!

b. Stop the Bug!

c. History of Cinema

d. St. Louis Deaf Community

7 p.m.

9/11: FEAR IN SILENCE: THE FORGOTTEN UNDERDOGS

88 minutes – Documentary Feature - USA

A compelling documentary about Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who were the
FIRST citizens to become shut out from outside communication, the LAST to
receive access to information, or be delivered from danger on September 11, 2001.

Directed by Ann Marie “Jade” Bryan

8:30 p.m. - Intermission (15 minutes)

8:45 pm

KEY TO THE STARS

22 minutes – Drama Short - France

It is a magical and exciting story about a sensitive young Deaf girl who
befriends a new signing imaginary friend.

Directed by Pierre-Louis Levacher

9:15 pm

DON’T MIND?

12 minutes – Comedy Short - USA

Bill (Patrick Graybill) opens his home when he is unexpectedly asked to
baby-sit a neighbor’s daughter. The child invites chaos and confusion in his
orderly life.

Directed by Patti Durr and Elizabeth Dena Sorkin

9:30 pm

THAT THING FROM OUTER SPACE

11 minutes - Science Fiction Short - USA

Deaf boy watch a mysterious sphere going down near his home. He brings the
sphere to share with his sister and brother but something bad happens to one of
the family member!

Produced and Directed by Gary Brooks.

9:45 pm

HELP ME

12:31 minutes - Drama/Fiction Short - USA

A man struggles with reality.

Directed by Kamau Buchanan

10:00 p.m. – Social and Cash Bar

11 p.m. – The building closes for the night! See you tomorrow!

Friday, September 28

11:00 am – the building opens for registration.

11:15 am –

The Best of Festival of Cinema for the Deaf –

Films listed below distributed by CIMI (Chicago Institute of the Moving
Image)

THE RIDE

Short – 28 minutes – USA

A drama about a musician who is down and out – the woman he loves walks out
on him. He sees man on the road.. Jack meets Vincent, a deaf man on the road.
The journey begins on the road with two men trying to communicate with each
other.

(CJ is in it. He was from St. Louis.) - CIMI

RESERVOIR WOLVES

Short - 10 minutes - UK

Parody of Traantino’s Reservoir Dogs shows you can sign and shoot at the same
time. - CIMI

Directed by Ramon Woolfe

ADU IVUMUN (When I heard)

Short – 14 min - UK

It is about a nine year old Deaf boy’s reaction when he sees his father come
out of the sea with a new hearing aid. - CIMI

Directed by Mohamed Hilmy and Andy Jones

HOTEL CENTRAL

Short - 10 minutes – UK

unscripted work - CIMI

Directed by Matt Hulse

PERCEPTION

Short - 8 minutes – NZ

It is about a blind man figuring his way around. He runs into a deaf boy, but
the boy was unable to communicate with him. His mind plays tricks on him when
he gets confused and lost in a wrong area. - CIMI

Directed by John Day and Stefan Lewis

WEE THREE

Short – 7 minutes - UK

Three School Kids in detention become involved in a battle between the
natural authority of the body and the unreal demands of the adult world. - CIMI

Directed by Matt Hulse

EDDA’S SONG

Short - 4 minutes - Canada

An old woman and a young woman meet in a landscape between life and death. -
CIMI

Directed by Vanessa Vaughan

12:30 pm –

DR. HAND

80 minutes – Drama Feature - USA

You will fly with the Magician and his two sidekicks: White-bearded Monkey
and Spinny, the flying robot, through time and space as they take you on a
journey to help a young deaf boy cure his “illness”.

In order to find the cure, you must travel through some dangerous territory
in search of the three legendary Sign Language elements, which hold the cure to
the young deaf boy’s illness. As you begin your magical journey, you will
travel with them through the forbidden forest, secret caves and onto a mysterious
island.

During your trip, you will meet odd characters along the way and also some
dangerous creatures that must be overcome.

Produced and Directed by Gary Brooks.

1:50 pm - Intermission (10 minutes)

2 pm.

SCARECROW

40 minutes – Horror Feature - USA

Scarecrow is a spine-tingling movie that takes you to the crossroads where
reality and the supernatural meet. With its haunting atmosphere and thrilling
suspenseful action, here is one movie certain to keep you rivted to your seat
right down to the final scene.

Produced and Directed by Gary Brooks.

2:45 pm

BLUE APPLE

30 minutes – Horror Short - USA

Deaf students seek vengeance on their vicious teacher by dabbing in black
magic. What they don’t realize is their teacher already possesses magical powers
and puts a spell on them in retaliation. What transpires turns red apples blue
and y our worst nightmares true in this imaginative production.

Produced and Directed by Gary Brooks.

3:15 pm - Intermission (15 minutes)

3:30 pm

Gary Brooks Presentation:

Cinema of Horrors: Working with Camera and Monsters

4:30 pm

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES

3:08 minutes - Comedy Short - USA

A mother discusses sex with her daughter.

Directed by Kamau Buchanan

Produced by Alex Durie

FLIPPED

6:21 minutes - Dramatic Short - USA

A man wakes up with no sound in his life and gets confused.

Directed by Kamau Buchanan

PAPER AIRPLANE

15 minutes – Documentary Short - USA

A Deaf man’s interpretationof sounds, family and identity.

Directed by Adrean Mangiardi

FAST FOOD

1 minute – Comedy Short - USA

A friend got fed up with his buddy’s eating too fast so he decides to do
something about it. It is funny.

Directed by Joseph Josselyn

MOTIONING - 1

REFLECTION by Wim Emmerik

4 minutes – Poetry - Netherlands

A film of poetry in sign language

DORMITORY

30 minutes - Drama Short - USA

A teacher challenges her students to ponder a thought provoking question: “
What if?” The query sets into motion a course of events for high school
sophomore, Dominic, as he wonders what would have happened if he lived in the
dormitory with the rest of the students and fell in love with the popular girl.

What happens and does not happen will keep you glued to the screen until the
very end! Nathan Maffloll and Jeannette Duarte lead an exceptionally talented
cast, filmed on location at California School for the Deaf in Riverside.

Produced and Directed by DJ Kurs

5:30 pm - Cash Bar and International Cuisine Buffet*

*Chinese, Italian and Mexican food will be served,

* served by Kevin Meyer and Gourmet Bites Catering

( our very own Deaf chef )

7:00 pm THE DEAF MAN

9 minutes – Short – USA

“I was inspired by the salons of 18th Century Paris. Abbe l’Epee, a teacher
of the deaf, would show off his deaf pupils to wealthy French dignitaries,”
says writer and director DJ Kurs. “I wanted to use the sense that deaf people
are constantly on display, even when they don’t want to be, as the starting
point for a short movie.”

“This story is so universal. It speaks volumes about the deaf and how the
rest of the world perceives them,” adds producer Julia Dameron. Dameron sent the
script to Howie Seago, a Seattle-based actor with multiple stage, television,
and motion picture credits. When Seago accepted, Kurs rewrote the script to
emphasize the humanity he knew Seago would bring to the screen.

The result is an accessible yet thought-provoking short movie that addresses
the destiny of deaf people in an age of technological improvements such as the
cochlear implant.

Directed by DJ Kurs and Produced by Julia Dameron

PAGE ME**

12 minutes – Short - USA

Jody faces a choice and makes her decision with a little help from her
friends.

Directed by Patti Durr and Elizabeth Sorkin

** It is suggested for mature audiences as it involves sexuality.

7:25 pm PIECES

50 minutes – Comedy Feature - Australia

When Priscilla and Glenn come over to stay at Abbie’s, they couldn’t resist
to discover a secret that are being kept from Abbie.

Once the secret is out, they meet Queenie and Quinten, a witch and a warlock
who are the most dangerous threat to the Deaf Community. What will they do to
Abbie? Can Priscilla and Glenn stop them before it’s too late? Pieces is a
fun, outrageous comedy that’s sure to entertain Deaf kids and their families.

Produced and Directed by Trudy Fraser

8:15 – 8:30pm - Intermission (15 minutes)

8:30 pm THE BOOGER MOVIE

1 minute – Comedy Short - USA

A comedy about two guys trying to resolve the problem with booger.

Directed by Joseph Josselyn

MOTIONING - 2

3 minutes – Poetry - Netherlands

POLDER by Wm Emmerick

TWO WORLDS APART

25 minutes – Drama Short - USA

A prominent deaf activist, Robert Wilder, who burned bridges to get to the
top, finds his office ransacked and the culprit unknown. Wilder then
unexpectedly stumbles into a man with a past linked to his own. A series of events
guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end! Bernard Bragg and Matt Ellis head a
superb cast in this mystery thriller.

Directed by Bernard Bragg

9 pm

EQUILIBRIUM

A man who has problem balancing.

Directed by Adrean Mangiardi

NO TALKING ALLOWED

45 minutes – Comedy Feature

A frustrated painter, Alex, is looking for a model he can paint. He goes
through several models until he finds a struggling model, Rebecca who meets his
qualifications.

However Alex has one requirement. No Talking Allowed. Rebecca thinks this is
strange but goes along with it until she finds she is falling in love. Filmed
in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Matt Daigle and Deb Skjeveland lead this
talented cast through a romantic comedy everyone will enjoy.

Directed by Yoon Lee and Matt Daigle.

10 pm to midnight

Cash bar and Social

The building closes at midnight. See y ou tomorrow!

Saturday, September 29

11:30 am. – the building opens for registration

12 noon

MOTIONING - 3

6 minutes – Poetry – Netherlands

FIRE by Giselle Meyer

STICKY SITUATION

5 minutes - Short - USA

A man gets sticked for each sin he committed.

Directed by Joseph Josselyn

THE CALABRIAN’S FEAST

20 minutes - Short – USA

A documentary about a family in Italy.. It shows the mind of a very old man
after a sepiated photograph prompts memories of family, love and loss to come
rushing back.

Directed by Adrean Mangiardi

DR. WONDER’S WORKSHOP

25 minutes – Children Short - USA

Film takes place at fictional inventor’s lab called “Dr. Wonder’s Workshop”
. Paula (our chemist) is having trouble with her sink. Billy tells her he can
fix it, but actually he can’t. She returns from lunch to get faceful of water.
Billy learns he does not need to lie to impress people.

Directed by Marshall Lawrence and Michael Rivet

MOTIONING - 4

5 minutes – Poetry - Netherlands

STRAND by Giselle Meyer

1:00 pm

ALL ABOUT MEMPHIS

25 minutes – Documentary Short - USA

A short documentary about Memphis and its mayoral race, the town and issues.
Taylor Hicks from the American Idol Winner is in it.

Produced and Directed by Patrice Edwards

1:30 pm

SAY SOMETHING

5:59 minutes – Dramatic Short - USA

Boys bully a girl.

Directed by Kamau Buchanan

THE BOXING MATCH

15 seconds - Animated Short - USA

Animation of boxing

Directed by Kamau Buchanan

I LOVE YOU

Drama Feature – 111 minutes – Japan

I Love You tells the story of Asako, a deaf woman determined to start an
acting group in her small town with the support of her daughter who is hearing.
Through Asako’s struggles and successes, she inspires both deaf and hearing
people to work together to accomplish great things. This is a groundbreaking film,
the first Japanese film made by a hearing and a deaf director.

Directed by Yutaka Osawa (hearing) and Akihiro Yonaiyama (deaf).

3:45 pm – 4 pm Intermission (15 minutes)

4 pm

EXODUS: A DEAF JEWISH FAMILY ESCAPES THE HOLOCAUST

25 minutes – Documentary Short - USA

This short documentary chronicles the plight of the Wiener/Rattner family as
they flee Nazi-occuppied Austria only to be detained on Ellis Island.

Directed by Patti Durr

MOTIONING - 5

5 minutes – Poetry – Netherlands

GROWTH by Wim Emmerick

4:30 pm

DEAFS VS AUDISTS


50 minutes – Documentary Feature - USA

This documentary is about audism and politics between deaf and hearing. The
deaf group in Georgia got together to participate in Gallaudet University
protests and share concerns about audism..

Directed by Wanda Leigh Garner Gaddis

5:30 pm - Cash Bar and Dinner*

*Parmesan crusted chicken with scalloped potatoes, sautéed green beans and
applie pie.

*Served by Kevin Meyer and Gourmet Bites Catering

(our very own Deaf chef)

7 pm - Gary Brooks Keynote Speaker

“Light of Imagination: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

8 pm – Keith Wann Show

“WATCHING TWO WORLDS COLLIDE” A comedy live performance

9:30 pm – SOCIAL AND CASH BAR

The building closes at midnight. We hope everyone had a good time!

Thank you for your wonderful support and presence!

Thank you for supporting SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL!

Many thanks to MoRelay, GSLAD, Deaf Images and other supporters!

SMDFF - posted on listserves 09-24-07

**************************************

SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

---

---

SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

September 27, 28 and 29, 2007

GSLAD Hall – 2190 Creve Couer Mill Road, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043

Contact Person: Paul Kiel, SMDFF Coordinator

e-mail: paul@deafimages.tv

more info on website at www.deafimages.tv

SMDFF Schedule:

---

Thursday, September 27

4 p.m. – The doors open at GSLAD for registration.

---

5 p.m. - Cash Bar and Appetizers – Finger foods

---

6:30 pm

Introduction of Show Me Deaf Film Festival - Paul Kiel

a. No Smoking!

b. Stop the Bug!

c. History of Cinema

d. St. Louis Deaf Community

---

7 p.m.

9/11: FEAR IN SILENCE: THE FORGOTTEN UNDERDOGS

88 minutes – Documentary Feature - USA

A compelling documentary about Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who were the FIRST citizens to become shut out from outside communication, the LAST to receive access to information, or be delivered from danger on September 11, 2001.

Directed by Ann Marie “Jade” Bryan

---

8:30 p.m. - Intermission (15 minutes)

---

8:45 pm

KEY TO THE STARS

22 minutes – Drama Short - France

It is a magical and exciting story about a sensitive young Deaf girl who befriends a new signing imaginary friend.

Directed by Pierre-Louis Levacher

---

9:15 pm

DON’T MIND?

12 minutes – Comedy Short - USA

Bill (Patrick Graybill) opens his home when he is unexpectedly asked to baby-sit a neighbor’s daughter. The child invites chaos and confusion in his orderly life.

Directed by Patti Durr and Elizabeth Dena Sorkin

---

9:30 pm

THAT THING FROM OUTER SPACE

11 minutes - Science Fiction Short - USA

Deaf boy watch a mysterious sphere going down near his home. He brings the sphere to share with his sister and brother but something bad happens to one of the family member!

Produced and Directed by Gary Brooks.

---

9:45 pm

HELP ME

12:31 minutes - Drama/Fiction Short - USA

A man struggles with reality.

Directed by Kamau Buchanan

---

10:00 p.m. – Social and Cash Bar

---

11 p.m. – The building closes for the night! See you tomorrow!

---

Friday, September 28

11:00 am – the building opens for registration.

---

11:15 am –

The Best of Festival of Cinema for the Deaf –

Films listed below distributed by CIMI (Chicago Institute of the Moving Image)

THE RIDE

Short – 28 minutes – USA

A drama about a musician who is down and out – the woman he loves walks out on him. He sees man on the road.. Jack meets Vincent, a deaf man on the road. The journey begins on the road with two men trying to communicate with each other.

(CJ is in it. He was from St. Louis.) - CIMI

---

RESERVOIR WOLVES

Short - 10 minutes - UK

Parody of Traantino’s Reservoir Dogs shows you can sign and shoot at the same time. - CIMI

Directed by Ramon Woolfe

---

ADU IVUMUN (When I heard)

Short – 14 min - UK

It is about a nine year old Deaf boy’s reaction when he sees his father come out of the sea with a new hearing aid. - CIMI

Directed by Mohamed Hilmy and Andy Jones

---

HOTEL CENTRAL

Short - 10 minutes – UK

unscripted work - CIMI

Directed by Matt Hulse

---

PERCEPTION

Short - 8 minutes – NZ

It is about a blind man figuring his way around. He runs into a deaf boy, but the boy was unable to communicate with him. His mind plays tricks on him when he gets confused and lost in a wrong area. - CIMI

Directed by John Day and Stefan Lewis

---

WEE THREE

Short – 7 minutes - UK

Three School Kids in detention become involved in a battle between the natural authority of the body and the unreal demands of the adult world. - CIMI

Directed by Matt Hulse

---

EDDA’S SONG

Short - 4 minutes - Canada

An old woman and a young woman meet in a landscape between life and death. - CIMI

Directed by Vanessa Vaughan

---

12:30 pm –

DR. HAND

80 minutes – Drama Feature - USA

You will fly with the Magician and his two sidekicks: White-bearded Monkey and Spinny, the flying robot, through time and space as they take you on a journey to help a young deaf boy cure his “illness”.

In order to find the cure, you must travel through some dangerous territory in search of the three legendary Sign Language elements, which hold the cure to the young deaf boy’s illness. As you begin your magical journey, you will travel with them through the forbidden forest, secret caves and onto a mysterious island.

During your trip, you will meet odd characters along the way and also some dangerous creatures that must be overcome.

Produced and Directed by Gary Brooks.

---

1:50 pm - Intermission (10 minutes)

---

2 pm.

SCARECROW

40 minutes – Horror Feature - USA

Scarecrow is a spine-tingling movie that takes you to the crossroads where reality and the supernatural meet. With its haunting atmosphere and thrilling suspenseful action, here is one movie certain to keep you rivted to your seat right down to the final scene.

Produced and Directed by Gary Brooks.

---

2:45 pm

BLUE APPLE

30 minutes – Horror Short - USA

Deaf students seek vengeance on their vicious teacher by dabbing in black magic. What they don’t realize is their teacher already possesses magical powers and puts a spell on them in retaliation. What transpires turns red apples blue and y our worst nightmares true in this imaginative production.

Produced and Directed by Gary Brooks.

---

3:15 pm - Intermission (15 minutes)

---

3:30 pm

Gary Brooks Presentation:

Cinema of Horrors: Working with Camera and Monsters

---

4:30 pm

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES

3:08 minutes - Comedy Short - USA

A mother discusses sex with her daughter.

Directed by Kamau Buchanan

Produced by Alex Durie

---

FLIPPED

6:21 minutes - Dramatic Short - USA

A man wakes up with no sound in his life and gets confused.

Directed by Kamau Buchanan

---

PAPER AIRPLANE

15 minutes – Documentary Short - USA

A Deaf man’s interpretationof sounds, family and identity.

Directed by Adrean Mangiardi

---

FAST FOOD

1 minute – Comedy Short - USA

A friend got fed up with his buddy’s eating too fast so he decides to do something about it. It is funny.

Directed by Joseph Josselyn

---

MOTIONING - 1

REFLECTION by Wim Emmerik

4 minutes – Poetry - Netherlands

A film of poetry in sign language

---

DORMITORY

30 minutes - Drama Short - USA

A teacher challenges her students to ponder a thought provoking question: “What if?” The query sets into motion a course of events for high school sophomore, Dominic, as he wonders what would have happened if he lived in the dormitory with the rest of the students and fell in love with the popular girl.

What happens and does not happen will keep you glued to the screen until the very end! Nathan Maffloll and Jeannette Duarte lead an exceptionally talented cast, filmed on location at California School for the Deaf in Riverside.

Produced and Directed by DJ Kurs

5:30 pm - Cash Bar and International Cuisine Buffet*

*Chinese, Italian and Mexican food will be served,

* served by Kevin Meyer and Gourmet Bites Catering

( our very own Deaf chef )

---

7:00 pm THE DEAF MAN

9 minutes – Short – USA

“I was inspired by the salons of 18th Century Paris. Abbe l’Epee, a teacher of the deaf, would show off his deaf pupils to wealthy French dignitaries,” says writer and director DJ Kurs. “I wanted to use the sense that deaf people are constantly on display, even when they don’t want to be, as the starting point for a short movie.”

“This story is so universal. It speaks volumes about the deaf and how the rest of the world perceives them,” adds producer Julia Dameron. Dameron sent the script to Howie Seago, a Seattle-based actor with multiple stage, television, and motion picture credits. When Seago accepted, Kurs rewrote the script to emphasize the humanity he knew Seago would bring to the screen.

The result is an accessible yet thought-provoking short movie that addresses the destiny of deaf people in an age of technological improvements such as the cochlear implant.

Directed by DJ Kurs and Produced by Julia Dameron

---

PAGE ME**

12 minutes – Short - USA

Jody faces a choice and makes her decision with a little help from her friends.

Directed by Patti Durr and Elizabeth Sorkin

** It is suggested for mature audiences as it involves sexuality.

---

7:25 pm PIECES

50 minutes – Comedy Feature - Australia

When Priscilla and Glenn come over to stay at Abbie’s, they couldn’t resist to discover a secret that are being kept from Abbie.

Once the secret is out, they meet Queenie and Quinten, a witch and a warlock who are the most dangerous threat to the Deaf Community. What will they do to Abbie? Can Priscilla and Glenn stop them before it’s too late? Pieces is a fun, outrageous comedy that’s sure to entertain Deaf kids and their families.

Produced and Directed by Trudy Fraser

---

8:15 – 8:30pm - Intermission (15 minutes)

---

8:30 pm THE BOOGER MOVIE

1 minute – Comedy Short - USA

A comedy about two guys trying to resolve the problem with booger.

Directed by Joseph Josselyn

---

MOTIONING - 2

3 minutes – Poetry - Netherlands

POLDER by Wm Emmerick

---

TWO WORLDS APART

25 minutes – Drama Short - USA

A prominent deaf activist, Robert Wilder, who burned bridges to get to the top, finds his office ransacked and the culprit unknown. Wilder then unexpectedly stumbles into a man with a past linked to his own. A series of events guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end! Bernard Bragg and Matt Ellis head a superb cast in this mystery thriller.

Directed by Bernard Bragg

---

9 pm

EQUILIBRIUM

A man who has problem balancing.

Directed by Adrean Mangiardi

---

NO TALKING ALLOWED

45 minutes – Comedy Feature

A frustrated painter, Alex, is looking for a model he can paint. He goes through several models until he finds a struggling model, Rebecca who meets his qualifications.

However Alex has one requirement. No Talking Allowed. Rebecca thinks this is strange but goes along with it until she finds she is falling in love. Filmed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Matt Daigle and Deb Skjeveland lead this talented cast through a romantic comedy everyone will enjoy.

Directed by Yoon Lee and Matt Daigle.

---

10 pm to midnight

Cash bar and Social

---

The building closes at midnight. See y ou tomorrow!

---

Saturday, September 29

---

11:30 am. – the building opens for registration

---

12 noon

MOTIONING - 3

6 minutes – Poetry – Netherlands

FIRE by Giselle Meyer

---

STICKY SITUATION

5 minutes - Short - USA

A man gets sticked for each sin he committed.

Directed by Joseph Josselyn

---

THE CALABRIAN’S FEAST

20 minutes - Short – USA

A documentary about a family in Italy.. It shows the mind of a very old man after a sepiated photograph prompts memories of family, love and loss to come rushing back.

Directed by Adrean Mangiardi

---

DR. WONDER’S WORKSHOP

25 minutes – Children Short - USA

Film takes place at fictional inventor’s lab called “Dr. Wonder’s Workshop”. Paula (our chemist) is having trouble with her sink. Billy tells her he can fix it, but actually he can’t. She returns from lunch to get faceful of water. Billy learns he does not need to lie to impress people.

Directed by Marshall Lawrence and Michael Rivet

---

MOTIONING - 4

5 minutes – Poetry - Netherlands

STRAND by Giselle Meyer

---

1:00 pm

ALL ABOUT MEMPHIS

25 minutes – Documentary Short - USA

A short documentary about Memphis and its mayoral race, the town and issues. Taylor Hicks from the American Idol Winner is in it.

Produced and Directed by Patrice Edwards

---

1:30 pm

SAY SOMETHING

5:59 minutes – Dramatic Short - USA

Boys bully a girl.

Directed by Kamau Buchanan

---

THE BOXING MATCH

15 seconds - Animated Short - USA

---

Animation of boxing

Directed by Kamau Buchanan

---

I LOVE YOU

Drama Feature – 111 minutes – Japan

I Love You tells the story of Asako, a deaf woman determined to start an acting group in her small town with the support of her daughter who is hearing. Through Asako’s struggles and successes, she inspires both deaf and hearing people to work together to accomplish great things. This is a groundbreaking film, the first Japanese film made by a hearing and a deaf director.

Directed by Yutaka Osawa (hearing) and Akihiro Yonaiyama (deaf).

---

3:45 pm – 4 pm Intermission (15 minutes)

---

4 pm

EXODUS: A DEAF JEWISH FAMILY ESCAPES THE HOLOCAUST

25 minutes – Documentary Short - USA

This short documentary chronicles the plight of the Wiener/Rattner family as they flee Nazi-occuppied Austria only to be detained on Ellis Island.

Directed by Patti Durr

---

MOTIONING - 5

5 minutes – Poetry – Netherlands

GROWTH by Wim Emmerick

---

4:30 pm

DEAFS VS AUDISTS

50 minutes – Documentary Feature - USA

This documentary is about audism and politics between deaf and hearing. The deaf group in Georgia got together to participate in Gallaudet University protests and share concerns about audism..

Directed by Wanda Leigh Garner Gaddis

---

5:30 pm - Cash Bar and Dinner*

*Parmesan crusted chicken with scalloped potatoes, sautéed green beans and applie pie.

*Served by Kevin Meyer and Gourmet Bites Catering

(our very own Deaf chef)

---

7 pm - Gary Brooks Keynote Speaker

“Light of Imagination: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

---

8 pm – Keith Wann Show

“WATCHING TWO WORLDS COLLIDE” A comedy live performance

---

9:30 pm – SOCIAL AND CASH BAR

---

The building closes at midnight. We hope everyone had a good time!

See you at the next festival!

Thank you for your wonderful support and presence!

Thank you for supporting SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL!

Many thanks to MoRelay, GSLAD, Deaf Images and other supporters!

---

---

COUNTDOWN BEGINS AT SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL!

---

---

---

---

---

September 17 , 2007 - COUNTDOWN BEGINS AT SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL!

Here is this video that will detail on what's happening at SMDFF! Any questions? contact Paul at paul@deafimages.tv

Thank you! =)

---

---

---

IF YOU LOVE ARTS, YOU LOVE LIFE AND YOURSELF!

---

---

Paul Kiel at Deaf Rochester Film Festival last March 2007

---

A friendly reminder to my friends and film lovers!

It is 17 more days to a DEAF SHOWTIME!

Show Me Deaf Film Festival is picking up a full steam forward and is progressing day by day towards its opening on Thursday, September 27, 2007. This is a special day for everyone in the deaf community. More information is on the website at Deaf Images

It is a breaking ground for the future generations to be involved in deaf filmmaking. We want this to happen and for good reasons - it is fun and it is art. It is also a hobby. It is also a serious profession. It comes from our hearts to show the world who we are through filmmaking.

If you love arts, you love life and yourself! It is a reflection of life in drama and comedy. In ASL world, it is a beauty in the eye of the beholder! This is why it is my favorite ASL world. It is time to show support for our deaf arts.

See you at the SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL!

Sincerely,

Paul J. Kiel
SMDFF Coordinator
www.deafimages.tv

September 9, 2007

****

COME AND SEE KEITH WANN PERFORM! TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

---

---

---

---

EXTRA! EXTRA!

---

COME AND SEE KEITH WANN PERFORM!

Saturday, September 29, 2007 

8 PM at GSLAD

This entertainment is offered by Show Me Deaf Film Festival and MoRelay.

---

Keith Wann is an acclaimed American Sign Language performing artist who has been captivating and entertaining Deaf,  Hard of Hearing and Hearing Audiences for years.

Come and enjoy a night of storytelling and CODA-DEAF ASL Culture!  Laugh with Keith as he takes you on a hilarous "visual" journey to describe his childhood, ASL student interactions and interpreting experiences.  Come and learn about the Deaf and Hearing Worlds and how they often clash with the help of a mischievous hearing child of deaf adults.

$15.00 per person

Order on line or tty and save $5.00!

$20.00 at door

Dinner extra - check for dinner info on website!  Combo $40.00

---

WATCHNG TWO WORLDS COLLIDE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

www.deafimages.tv

e-mail: smdff@deafimages.tv

voice:  314-236-9048

tty/fax:314-869-6161

---

**  September 5, 2007 **

**************

---

---

PAUL KIEL's COMMENTARY ABOUT DEAFHOOD

---

---

---

Paul Kiel's Commentary about Deafhood

Correction: Some misquotes -

The book is $59.95, not $60.00

The book is 528 pages, not 500

For info, contact DAWN SIGN PRESS

---

---

LIST OF FILMS SHOWING AT SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL

---

---

LIST OF FILMS TO BE SHOWN AT SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL

---

---

*There may be few more films arriving late. BUY TICKETS NOW! LIMITED SEATING! COME AND ENJOY OUR FILMMAKERS!

FOR TICKETS OR UPDATES, VISIT WWW.DEAFIMAGES.TV

---

---

AUDISM SPREADS WHILE GOOD DEAF PEOPLE DO NOTHING!

---

---

In response to several b/vlogs about how to deal with issues ranging from Deaf Bilingual Coaliton to the question about what deaf militancy is about. I am sharing this video with you to reflect my observation if the answer was working in that concept. I did that at the height of protests at Gallaudet University.

It is true that combating audism requires more energy and effort on our part. My favorite quote is this, "AUDISM SPREADS WHILE GOOD DEAF PEOPLE DO NOTHING!"

---

---

"STAMP OUT AUDISM!"

---

---

40 MORE DAYS TO SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL!!

---

---

---

40 MORE DAYS TO SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL!!

SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL

September 27 - 30 2007 - St. Louis, Missouri

ORDER TICKETS NOW! LIMITED SEATING

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL PRICES!

PRICES GO UP AFTER SEPTEMBER 12!

ORDER TICKETS NOW!

---

Come and visit DEAF IMAGES

---

SMDFF INTRODUCTION

---

---

---

SMDFF INTRODUCTION

filmed on March 27, 2007

---

---

SMDFF INFO

---

---

SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL PROMO

---

---

---

SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL PROMOTION

---

---

FREE SMDFF POSTER AVAILABLE

---

Here is a free SMDFF poster available! E-mail to SMDFF@deafimages.tv for copy of free poster!

FREE POSTER

Check us out at SMDFF WEBSITE for updates!

Many exciting events on September 27 - 30 2007

*Gary Brooks is the keynote speaker!

*Watch 9/11 Fear in Silence: THE FORGOTTEN UNDERDOGS made by Ann Marie (JADE) Bryan of NYC

*Watch Keith Wann do his comedy in ASL! He brings the house down! Everyone falls off chairs laughing!

*Watch Key to the Stars made by Pierre-Louis Levacher of France.

*Other films are rolling in - as of today, July 29, 2007 - Paper Plane, Equillibrum, Deafs vs. Audists and others...

*Tickets on Sale now!

* Hotel special $79.00 per night - use SMDFF as code for discount!

*Come and support the deaf filmmakers!

---

TIME TO END BELL REGIME!

---

It is time to end Bell Regime!

Happy days are here again for the Deaf community when we are free of audism and oppression!

Let's march forward to dismantle the Bell Regime!

SHACKLES OF AUDISM....

---

---

---

In this drawing, I have listed the shackles of audism. For the past 127 years, they have been used over and over to punish poor deaf children. This practice has been going on behind the doors and they have threatened children to be quiet and behave accordingly to the audists.

The list of abuses have been known among the community for years. This practice needs to be stopped! Some may still exist today through different means.


1. This is whip ( or leather belt). It has been used to punish deaf children when they refused to talk.

2. This is handcuffs. It is imaginary way to warn kids if they keep signing. They are forced to put their hands under their butts when sitting. They force poor deaf children to talk withOUT using hands or gestures.

3. This is duct tape. They use it on deaf children when they scream, don't follow them what they say, even they use it to tie the children's hands together to stop them from signing.

4. This is a wooden ruler. They use it to slam on palms of children for refusing to behave and not listening. (I was the victim of wooden ruler beatings)

5. This is a bucket of soap They use soap to clean mouths if you talk back or refuse to cooperate.

6. This is leash and collar. They use it to keep children from running away.

7. This is picture of infamous AG Bell. This is how he perpetuates crimes against deaf humanity.

8. This is a list of rules established by AG Bell regime.

Instructions read....1. Spank child if signing....2. soap in mouth...3..cuff to chair

9. This is the abusive tool they use to make deaf children talk in speech lessons.

10. AHA was for American Hearing Association with missing S for Speech. That's another regime of terror.

11. This poor deaf child had been abused by teacher using wooden ruler on his throbbing red hands.

12. This is in case deaf children got hurt and they send them home with notes with lies about what happened.

This is a way of abuse tolerated among audists in hampering the Deaf community for the past 127 years!

It is time to revolt! Fight back! Get back our dignity that we lost at 1880's infamous Milan conference where they banned ASL from classrooms.

****

SO TYPICAL OF AUDISM!!!

According to Brian Riley's news service in e-mail, there has been protests going on at AGBAD. I am pleased to know that there is peaceful protests. I am saddened to know how hearing people turned into animals and mistreat us.

See Mark Drolsbaugh's comments in Riley's Report at www.gallyprotest.org or contact him at brian@gallyprotest.org to get his updates on the protest.

"I didn't want this to escalate so I motioned for my kids to leave with me. The guard kept mumbling so I repeated I was deaf and asked him to to write down what he was saying. At this point he started talking on his phone. I said this was discrimination and he continued ignoring me and babbling into his phone. As I left on the down escalator, I passed the Marriott manager and I told her point blank "This is discrimination. My kids and I just wanted some brochures we got kicked out because I'm deaf." She just glared at me."

This shows how typical audists are... they are always rude when they do not understand our proud deaf culture.

Wake up and it is time to give respect!

WHAT DOES NTID HAVE TO DO WITH AGBAD?

---

What does NTID have to do with AGBAD? Well, for the past decades, AGBAD people have been running NTID behind the scenes starting with Dr. William Castle and Dr. Robert Frisina. They got millions of dollars through fundraising and used the influence. Mostly on third floor (in the past -- )was focused on audiology and speech. I used to call it the Forbidden Zone as that was what audists love. I did go through their programs when being student. I have to roll my eyes and wonder why they spent so much money on something that AG Bell perpetuates in his evil mission against the Deaf community.

If you can get a pencil and go through the names and make connections along the way, you can thread them all together with common demonitator....it is AGBAD influence.

Remember during the Gallaudet Protest last year, there were several AGBAD people on the board. That's the tip of iceberg.....

So in all, Hurwitz, the current top honcho at NTID has been with that group. His sister in law runs oral school in St. Louis Again the connections are running back and forth to several people. There is a conspiracy behind the scenes that they are trying to maintain the control. It is the money that talks! That is evil.

I do like Hurwitz, but I do not agree to his handling of issues.

So the bottom line it is AG Bell still running audism from his grave! We need to break the ties and put our proud Deaf culture back on the track. Stop 127 years of lies and abuses!

They need to know that oralism does NOT work with babies. It is ASL that works wonders for babies! It helps stimulate the scholarship that Dr. Robert Frisina asked me many years ago at lunch. (1975). He asked me how I got this kind of scholarship that others were lacking. ASL is the answer. My grandmother and some relatives used gestures that helped me understood, but I was oppressed for many years by the AG Bell regime.

It is time to FIGHT BACK!

KUDOS TO DBC! KEEP PROTESTING! DEAF PRIDE!

---

---

SHOW ME DEAF COMMUNITY IS IN FAVOR OF THAT PICTURE! THIS SHOULD BE THE BEST PICTURE OF 2007! May the future generations remember this day and her artwork! Kudos to Mo!

I love Mo's drawing about the deaf and hearing babies! It shows volumes! I am sure hearing people will realize more and more how oppressive the AG Bell regime had been for the last 127 years!

I have been receiving texts about the protests at AGBAD. It is nice with today's technology in helping us network with our friends in maintaining our needs.

Keep on protesting! It is time to dismantle the lies that AG Bell regime had been perpetuating!

The truth prevails!

Carpe diem! (Seize the day!)

=)

AG BELL IS STILL A PUBLIC ENEMY #1

With upcoming protests at AGBAD, it is high time that the Deaf community take this serious business of countering what audists are doing. It is long overdue and it has been over 127 years of oppression by AG Bell and his regime.

It is important to stand up for what we believe in. It is a new generation of Deaf who are more politically canny. It is a result of 1988 Deaf President Now movement. With recent incident at Gallaudet University, it emboldens many Deaf leaders to do more and bring forth the issues that have been pushed to the back burners for generations.

---

---

This man has been feared by the Deaf community since the 1880's. He is labeled as PUBLIC ENEMY #1 for the past 127 years for the crimes against the Deaf humanity. He tried to use eugenics to wipe off the Deaf race. He even went to great lengths to the Congress to ban deaf from marrying another deaf. He tried to separate deaf from teaching and only let hearing people take care of deaf. He had a deaf wife and a deaf mother. What kind of man was he?

An audist? An oppressor? Selfish? You decide!

This is a good time that the Deaf Bilingual Coalition will act to counter the misinformation perpetuated by AGBAD. It is true that it makes no sense to use ASL to enrich the cognitive development of non-deaf, hearing babies while NOT allowing the same for deaf babies-for whom ASL is a natural language and it is their birthright!!!

Being Deaf since birth myself, I prefer ASL over oralism. Oralism is a false facade for audism! Be sure to read the book, "The Mask of Benevolence:Disabling the Deaf Community" written by Harlan Lane. It reeks of audism and abuses.

So it is time to push Bell off his high horse! He gotta go!

Good bye, Mr. Bell!!!!

****

SMDFF PRESENTS KEITH WANN SHOW!

Show Me Deaf Film Festival is pleased to announce that Keith Wann will perform on Saturday night, September 29, 2007. The entertainment program will include Keith Wann, the American Sign Language performing artist who has been captivating and entertaining Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing audiences for years. He has travelled the nation amusing audiences with his controlled chaos and pandemonium explosions on stage.

He is known as one of the funniest Sign-Language comics in America!

Come and enjoy a night of storytelling and CODA-DEAF ASL Culture! Laugh with Keith as he takes you on a hilarious "visual" journey to describe his childhood, ASL student interactions and interpreting experiences. Come and learn about the Deaf and Hearing Worlds and how they often clash with the help of a mischievous hearing child of deaf adults.

This is what the program is about..."WATCHING TWO WORLDS COLLIDE!" Keith will take you on humorous and almost shocking look at both worlds

Tickets for Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 7:30 can be purchased through SMDFF. Those with combo tickets for the festival get free ticket to watch the show.

Those not participating at SMDFF can buy separate tickets for the show.

No videocameras allowed!

The show will be at GSLAD.

More information on the way!

Buy tickets now!

Go to www.deafimages.tv to get updates and order tickets!

Seating is limited for the show!

July 14, 2007 - SMDFF PSA

**********

Come and watch this "Key to the Stars" at SMDFF!

Some videos and films entries are coming for Show Me Deaf Film Festival! There is one that grabbed my attention at Tampa's 1st International Deaf Film Festival in 2004. CIMI/Deaf Cinema and I are working on to have it shown at SMDFF this fall.

Key to the Stars (La Clef des Etoiles) was made by Pierre-Louis Levacher of France. So now Show Me Deaf Film Festival is going international by having some European films. Some are coming this way. We are excited!

That film, Key to the Stars is a magical and exciting story about a sensitive young Deaf girl who befriends a new signing imaginary friend. It is French signing and voice with English subtitles.

Come and see it at Show Me Deaf Film Festival!

Be sure to order tickets!

Come back for updates at SMDFF

Gary Brooks is coming! He is our keynote speaker for SMDFF!

A new addition!

There is entertainer being chosen for Saturday night entertainment! (September 29, 2007)

Guess who?

The one who makes people laugh and fall off chairs!

That one is able to get most people falling off chairs!

Who is that?

Guess who?

=)

Correction to March 27, 2007 PSA - SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL

Greetings to Film lovers!

I would like to correct my comments of March 27, 2007 about the festival being the first of its kind in the Midwest. The first of its kind in Midwest "title" goes to Deaf Cinema and CIMI of Chicago. I do apologize to Joshua Flanders and CIMI as well as Deaf Cinema.

I want to indicate that the festival is first of its kind in the metropolitan area and Missouri.

Like Dear Abby, I take ten wet lashes from a noodle. =)

Paul J. Kiel
SMDFF Coordinator

--------------
SMDFF Announcement:

Watch for updates at http://www.deafimages.tv!

*Hotel at $79.00 per night

*Shuttle service from hotel to GSLAD

*GSLAD had over 625 people during Family Night with National Black Deaf Advocates last week! It was fun!

*Delicious Meals by our Deaf Chef

*Exciting films are on the way and names will be announced soon!

*The prices are effective for short time so hurry and order tickets before they go up!

=)


***July 9, 2007 --- DI/PSA

LAST CALL FOR FILMS FOR SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL

We are seeking films by deaf filmmakers.

Deaf filmmakers can be students, professionals, and international.

* FILMS CAN BE SHORT OR FEATURE.

*Animation, experimental work, documentaires, comedies, storytelling are welcome for consideration!

*Regular deadline is August 15th.

*International films must be submitted with English subtitles.

*Short films can be 30 minutes or less - few minutes or longer up to 30 minutes are ok.

*Feature films can be more than 31 minutes.

*FILMS must be submitted in DVD format.

*Films made by deaf artists, director, producer, actors and any capacity in making it get first priority.

*Combo tickets are on sale now! Use Paypal to expedite the process! Reserve your tickets now!

*For updates and progress on Show Me Deaf Film Festival, go to website at http://www.deafimages.tv

*Come one! Come all!

*Any questions, contact Paul at paul@deafimages.tv

June 29, 2007

SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES DEAF FILMMAKER, GARY BROOKS AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER 2007.

---

---

Gary Brooks, SMDFF's Keynote Speaker 2007

---

---

Show Me Deaf Film Festival Announces, Deaf Filmmaker, Gary Brooks as Keynote Speaker.

June 19, 2007

St. Louis, Missouri - Show Me Deaf Film Festival is pleased to announce Gary Brooks, deaf filmmaker as keynote speaker.

Don't miss his adventure-packed presentation on Saturday, September 29 at 10:30 a.m.

He will keynote the festival, "Light of Imagination: Yeterday, Today and Tomorrow"

Gary Brooks was raised in the nearby Marina Del Rey, California. During his childhood, he borrowed his father's 8mm camera and filmed several short films. He attended Mira Costa High School at Manhattan Beach. He was involved with Theatre Arts.

Brooks studied Film and Television Production at the Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. As a film student, he made short feature films, "Blue Apple" (1994) which won Cindy award for special achievement in Art Direction and Directing. He was Line Producer for "Deaf Moonlight Show" (1995), In 1995, he graduated from Gallaudet University with Bachelor of Arts in Television, Film and Photography. In 1996, he directed his second feature film, "Scarecrow" (1996) this film earned three awards, Cine, Telly and Cindy for outstanding student production.

He is currently working for Gallaudet University Video Services as Live-Event Director/Editor and a freelance filmmaker. His latest films were "Dr. Hand" (2005) and "That Thing from Outer Space" (2006) He will film "The Child's Dreamer" which is expected to be released in December 2008.

Gary Brooks during early days

---

---

Other films to his credits are "The G Files Series"(2000- 2005), and "The Puppet" (1993).

He will provide a workshop on Friday morning 10 a.m. "Cinema of Horrors: Working with Camera and Monsters".

Come and visit http://www.deafimages.tv for updates and get tickets to watch the weekend of films!

SOURCE: DEAF IMAGES

UPDATES ON SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL

---

Good news! I am in negotiation with Gary Brooks. I am inviting him to be the keynote speaker for the SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL. I am excited that he has accepted to come so final details are being worked out such as expenses and program. I am also delighted to be in negotiation with Chad Taylor about providing Mac workshops during the festival. It will be held in St. Louis, Missouri September 27 - 30 2007. The events will be at GSLAD. Greater St. Louis Association of the Deaf will open its doors for out of town and local supporters of SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL.

Check out GSLAD's new building and this is where the festival will be held. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming announcements.

Visit the website at http://www.gslad.org

and here are pictures of our facility.

---

---

More to come soon!

Is this a sign from upstairs?

Find this video and thousands of others at vSocial!

Paul's Commentary about Filmmakers

---

---

---

---

Paul's Commentary about Filmmakers....

---

TO BE DEAF OR NOT TO BE DEAF: A TRUE STORY

---

---

Mr. Shore training Paul to speak

---

TO BE DEAF OR NOT TO BE DEAF: THE PAUL KIEL STORY

It is about a deaf man who was raised in a hearing dominated society until he discovered ASL.

An example from the book -

WHERE IS JUSTICE FOR DEAF IN WORKPLACE?

My story is about working and facing discrimination throughout employment at Select Artificials in St. Louis, Missouri. There seem to be no justice for the deaf from the decision rendered by the 8th District Court of Appeals.

During the last week of December 1991, I got a message from the Job Service about job possibility at a company that needs a billing clerk. With my strong background in billing, I thought my chances of landing that job would be good. I had an appointment on or about January 7, 1992. I was told they have history of hiring the deaf.

At the interview, there was no interpreter provided and I was not sure what to do. I had to swallow a bitter pill by going along with the owners of the company in order to get the job. We had to communicate by notes and gestures and speechreading. I arrived on time and was told to sit in the seating area until the owner named Mr. John Robert Fry
would come for me. He came forward. He motioned me to come into the office with his wife, Julie.

During the interview, they asked questions by notes and I replied in writing and some verbally. I saw the pictures of Republican people such as Bob Dole, Kit Bond and various politicians. I told Mr. Fry that my father is very active in that group and I have picture of Bob Dole with my dad.

He seemed pleased. They asked me to start working on January 20, 1992. I accepted and was told to take a "training" with Mrs. Fry on Saturday, January 18th.

On January 18th, I showed up for work. Mrs. Fry motioned me to the desk where I would be working. She brought in papers and boxes to indicate what kind of work is involved. She turned on the computer and displayed various softwares to be used in getting the program to take care of billing needs for the company. It was frustrating trying to understand what Julie was talking about as there was no interpreter and she did write notes to indicate procedures and what to do next at each step from the start to finish. She made me do some work after showing me some procedures. I got lost as there was no clarification on what to do and she shouted at me for not doing it right. She would get pissed off if I make mistakes. I was taken aback by that and was kind of confused. I had to swallow bitter pill by tolerating that situation. I personally do not think oralism is paying off in this case. Finally later in the day, the training was over. I was relieved and eager to go home. They told me to show up on Monday.

Then Monday, January 20, 1992 I showed up for the first day at work. I was excited to start a paying job and do the kind of work I am so used to.

Mr. Fry took me around the warehouse and the company to meet all people who are involved in various areas of the company from sales to shipping. In the warehouse, I saw two deaf ladies working. I was excited to know there is deaf people that I could socialize with during breaks and lunch.

Unfortunately, we had different times for lunch and breaks. I had to request time off to match with Ruth Sullivan and got approved. I understood that Ruth worked so many years at the company. I was interested in knowing how she fared with the company. She said it was difficult working for the owners.

Months passed into summer. I found out that the company had been ignoring the rights of the Deaf. Whenever they have meetings, they only wrote notes and told them in a few words what was going on. I asked Ruth if she ever asked for tty at work. She said that Mr. Fry said no. So I asked them if I could bring mine so they could consider buying one. I tried to tell Mrs. Fry that I could make business phone calls. She said not to as she wants Terri Fritz , the supervisor to handle the
calls and she did not want to hurt her feelings by taking away the duty of making phone calls for me. I was lost as I thought it was a clear discrimination.

During the Holiday Season, the Frys had an open house with all the employees. They had meeting and discussed some issues. They did not bother to bring interpreters to accomodate the three deaf adults working at the company. They acted as if everything is ok . I was wondering how much tolerance I should have with the way they were treating us.

Spring of 1993 - I showed the book about ADA to Mr and Mrs Fry in order to try to see if they will be willing to do those things to help the deaf workers have equal access. They did not care and told us to get back to work. I felt intimidated by the situation. I tried to analyze the situation and tried to find solutions. It was hard enough trying to keep the issue worked out at a low profile. I thought of contacting outside agencies to help , but I feared some kind of reprisal from the owners. I did contact some interpreting agencies and they were unable to do some kind of sensitivity training due to legal
ramifications. There was no active Deaf group involved in providing sensitivity program. I had to try to educate them on alleviating the problem, but I run into deadends.

Later in the year, Mr. Fry motioned me to his office. He wrote a note to tell me to stop staring at people in the office. I was shocked. I told him in defiance "My eyes are my ears! You know very well that I am Deaf! " He was visibly angry and upset. He had to leave the office to tend to something else and told me to wait.

Mr. Fry came back and said for me to go back to work. We were not even finished talking about the issue. So he left me high and dry on that.

When the UPS had a new program to make shipping easier and they wanted to train me to enable me to utilize the program easier. The Frys tried to have Julie Fritz to explain to me after the UPS training. I protested and said we could have sign language interpreter to do that and let us sort out the issues and communicate easier through the interpreter.

Mr. Fry was somewhat mocking in saying that the interpreter is really nothing and thought all the information that was relayed would come out the back way. I was perplexed to understand why Mr. Fry said something of that kind. I had mixed emotions of feeling good to have interpreter at the training and feeling frustrated with Mr. Fry's attitude toward the interpreter.

There were some instances that they had meetings or gatherings without interpreter and I had to ask Terri Fritz to keep me posted on what is happening. But she was not qualified to relay the information.

January 1994 - at Mr. Fry's birthday party in the employee lounge, I was becoming frustrated when the staff and people got together and was talking. Mr Fry stood up and said some speech. I did not understand and was bold enough to stand up and ask to be excused. I walked out without knowing the answer and went to my desk and proceeded on working.

February 17, 1994 - I came to work few moments earlier to enable me some time to make copies of a letter requesting the Frys to look into consideration of buying a tty for three of us. I folded letters and stuffed into envelopes. Mrs Fry came in and said good morning. I replied back to her the same greeting. Then I walked into the warehouse to pass the envelopes to Ruth and Melissa. I explained to them what the letter was about.

Then I returned to my desk to start working for the day. I then asked Terri Fritz for a day off next week to see doctor about sinus problem I had been having for past few weeks. She said ok.

Then I put a letter on the divider at front of room for Mr. Fry. Julie came to my desk and asked me what was going on and why I was using the copier to make personal copies. She accused me of breaking company policy.

She made some kind of accusations that I did not understand. She was talking too fast and I got frustrated trying to understand what she was talking about. There was no such company policy as many employees do help themselves to the copy machine. I motioned to the front that there was letter for Mr. Fry. She shook her head and said no. I got up and
walked up to the front desk and picked up the letter. I told her that the letter was for Mr. Fry. She shook her head and opened the letter. I tried to tell her to wait til Mr. Fry comes in and we could have discussion with interpreter or something. She shook her head again and again. I was frustrated about the way she was behaving and I thought something went wrong. I decided to tell her that she was being selfish. I said to her, "You are selfish! You are selfish!". I decided to stop discussing because of her eccentric behavior. I was thinking about going back to my desk and finish the work. I went to my desk and got papers, pen and ruler out of the drawer. The drawer was sticking due to size of the drawer (3 ft by 5 ft) and the aging of wood so I tried to push it close. It got stuck and I had to hit it to slam it shut. It seemed like a bad day for me with those incidents that morning.

A while later, Julie came to my desk with a note. It said, " DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WERE YELLING AT ME?". I looked at it and looked at her face puzzled. I told her I was sorry as I did not know that I had yelled. I was only trying to communicate what I was saying. She took off back to her office.

I turned around to talk to Terri. I asked her what was wrong with Julie? She seemed to be different this morning. I jested that she can buy houses, fur coats and cars, but cannot afford a tty device. So I went back to work on my desk. She came out again to my desk and asked me if I was telling truth about what I said earlier. I said yes.

I asked her what was going on. She took off back to her office. The day moved on and it was around 4:30 p.m. when I cleaned up my desk and put everything away. Terri told me that Julie wanted me in her office. I replied ok and walked into Julie's office. She handed me a letter.

I read it and was shocked to find out that she was terminating me for insubordination. I was confused and I asked her what was going on? She was on phone and was sort of ignoring me. I asked her if she could get interpreter to discuss this matter. She turned her head away and was still talking on phone as if she wanted to ignore me. I said bye and went to the desk to clean out the stuff and got an empty box. I picked up my papers and stuff and put them in the box. I looked around
the room and was hurting inside. I picked up the box which was about three feet long. I then walked out the front door and used my foot to slam the door shut as I had hands full. I was too upset to think about what to do next, but I wanted to go home and talk to my family.

My family told me to proceed with legal assistance in reviewing to see justice for me. So I did file with Missouri Commission on Human Rights and the EEOC ( Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) in April of 1994. Several months passed and both agencies admitted that they had backlog of cases and could not pursue further on my case. They recommended that I find an attorney to be active on my case.

Days, Weeks, Months and Years have passed in pursuing legal manuevers in getting the case heard by the jury to determine ADA violations. The attorneys have been working hard to present facts in both courts at District Court and Court of Appeals.

At the District Court, the judge ignored my case and favored the employer. He did not even bother to consider letting me have the jury to decide the case. He lacked the sensitivity in the ADA situation.

So we filed appeal at the Court of Appeals.

January 16, 1998 - The oral arguments were presented before a panel of 3 judges. The court of appeals took the case in consideration and reached the decision in spring of 1998. 2 out of 3 ruled in my favor and ordred the case to go back to the District Court to remand and have jury to review the case. The Select Artificials objected and filed for some kind of appeal to have a full panel of judges to hear the case. The court agreed to that appeal and scheduled for September 1998.

September 1998 - The oral arguments were presented before a panel of 13 judges. It is technically the same arguments presented before the 3 judge panel now heard by the 13 judge panel.

March 1999 - The 8th District Court of Appeals with the full panel involved reviewed the case and decided to favor the employer. There were four dissenting judges who disagreed. So with 9 judges overriding the decision did favor the employer.

May 23, 1999 - A final decision is needed to either to give up the years of legal maneuvering to get the justice for the deaf or GO ON to the SUPREME COURT and have justice for the deaf there!?

The story continues in the book about the case going up to the U.S. Supreme Court and...

---

For reservations/orders, e-mail to RESERVE BOOK

The book is in production and scheduled to come out sometime in October 2007

---