CODA Star Explains Why Using Sign Language On Set Was So Special
Amy Forsyth, star of CODA, describes how special it was to use sign language on the set of the film. Directed by Sian Heder, CODA stars Emilia Jones as a child of deaf adults (CODA) who has to balance her own aspirations with her attempts to support her family's struggling business. After premiering at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, Apple acquired the rights to the film for a record-breaking $25 million. It then saw a day-and-date release on Apple TV+ and in theaters on August 13, 2021 and has gone on to accumulate a range of awards nominations.
With nods in the Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay categories at this year's Oscars, CODA has been a critical darling. Much attention has been paid by critics to its inclusive nature, as it is the first film featuring predominantly deaf/non-hearing cast members to be nominated for Best Picture, and Tony Kotsur, who plays the role of Frank, is the first male deaf actor to be nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category. USA Today even reported on reactions from members of the deaf community to the film, with many praising the way in which it portrayed deaf people as self-sufficient, going against a wider Hollywood trend of depicting them as helpless individuals.
Related: Is CODA Based On A True Story? Influences & Remake Explained
In the wake of its incredibly warm reception, Forsyth describes in an interview with THR how special it was to use sign language on the set of the film. She outlines how using sign language with deaf actors makes them "Stop and look at each other in the eye" and "slows the set down in a very human way." She also describes how thrilled she is at the positive reception the film has garnered. Check out Forsyth's full
Read more on screenrant.com
