Introduction to the Documentary
Apple TV+ sheds light on one of the greatest civil rights movements with its new documentary, Deaf President Now!. A new trailer highlights the turmoil that erupted in 1988 when the Board of Trustees at Gallaudet University, the only college for the deaf, chose a controversial hearing president to oversee operations. The students, who were highly qualified and deaf candidates for the job, massively protested the decision in a watershed moment for the deaf community that extended far beyond the campus. The film features exclusive interviews with participants and archival materials, set to be released on May 16.
The Protest Movement
The documentary opens with news reports that showcase the massive extent of the one-week protests under the "Deaf President Now!" movement. Seeing a woman who could hear being chosen over two deaf candidates, one of whom was already a beloved dean on campus, was a moment for the students to take action. To do this, however, they needed a plan to unite everyone and disrupt Gallaudet University, starting with triggering all fire alarms before locking up all entrances to the campus. The Gallaudet Four – student leaders Jerry Covell, Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Tim Rarus, and Greg Hlibok – recall the monumental moment when the student body came together, as well as the setbacks they faced from the police, the public, and even adults as they tried to effect real change. The four rise to the center of the documentary to illustrate how it was on the ground while the protests developed and why it was so crucial that they fought for their president.
Beyond the College Choice
Deaf President Now! is about much more than one choice on a college campus. It was essential for the students to oppose a college president who did not understand their world and to show that they would not accept the status quo. Their movement would be so successful that it not only led to the board of trustees reversing their decision and naming the aforementioned dean, I. King Jordan, as the first deaf president of the college since its founding in 1864, but it also paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. Jordan is prominently featured in the film to discuss the effects of his later election on the broader history of civil rights.
Understanding the Deaf Community’s Experience
Given the fact that the "Deaf President Now!" movement was formed to convey more understanding of their needs and leadership, the documentary also aims to create more understanding for its viewers through its presentation. The film uses an experimental narrative approach called Deaf View, which "uses impressionist visual photography and complicated sound design to bring the audience into the deaf experience". Acclaimed An Inconvenient Truth director! Davis Guggenheim worked with deaf activists, Gallaudet graduates, and fan favorite former America’s Next Top Model contestant Nyle DiMarco to steer the documentary, marking the latter’s directorial debut. Critics have already frequently praised their collaboration, earning a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes to date.
Release and Reception
Deaf President Now! premieres on Apple TV+ on May 16. The trailer is available to view, offering a glimpse into the powerful story of resistance and change led by the deaf community. With its unique approach to storytelling and its historical significance, the documentary is set to educate and inspire audiences about the importance of representation and equality.
