Universal Signs

I had learned about the making of UNIVERSAL SIGNS a few years ago during the first ripples of information that a deaf movie that would be quite unique was being filmed. I was excited at the prospect of a movie "captioned for the hearing". As a college level American Sign Language instructor, an owner of a sign language instructional company and a film aficionado I often spoke to my classes about movies with deaf actors, themes or made by deaf filmmakers. This topic sparked interest in a few of my advanced level students who chose to complete a project about this movie. Several cast and the director of UNIVERSAL SIGNS were asked to complete a survey for my students project. All obliged and were very generous with their responses and wrote how extremely enthusiastic they were to have made this important and amazing film.

UNIVERSAL SIGNS transcends the need for spoken language. And quite frankly, the facial expressions and body language of the actors almost makes it unnecessary, at times, for sign language. The casting of actors who were deaf or were hearing , yet signed, proved that keeping the integrity of the deaf culture and ASL as part of the filming process was key. For me this kept the movie "real" and genuine.

I know that Universal Signs will now be added to my syllabus for ASL students to view. Thank you for making this splendid movie which made me laugh, weep , and proud to have followed this movie from casting to wide release in the theaters and on DVD.

I really enjoyed the story and the film. It was very rich, complex and filled with layers (much like a painting). I really felt like I was part of the journey, and it just reminded me about how real life can be sometimes. The film captured so many of life's subtleties. The cinematography was also very engaging. I was touched by so many different emotions. I saw the film with my mom, and she thought that at one point there was sound during the rain storm. I can't remember if there was sound or if the image of rain and all of the connections actually allowed her to "hear" it even if it was silent. What happened to Andrew could happen to anyone. We all go through life for the first time and things happen that we can't ever explain. How do we go on? How do we have the courage to open our hearts again and again when opening our hearts to others can be so scary? The film really made me think and ask myself a lot of questions. It really opened my mind in so many ways. I was so happy to share that with my mom.

This is a wonderful movie. It is unique and fresh in so many ways....the depth of the story is mesmerizing. The viewer is subtly drawn into the story without Hollywood stunts or even verbal dialog. It's simple, yet elegant. It is masterful in the way in which the viewer participates in the story. It is impossible to remain passive in the viewing in that the viewer must 'read' and 'look' and 'listen to the music' and infer what is 'between the lines'. As such, the viewer is 'drawn in'. The interesting effect of this, is that the viewing experience is somehow richer and effect deeper than in a 'standard' movie format. The movie draws the viewer into the inner world of the deaf, as well as into the viewer's own inner world. This film never treats the deaf as 'other' or as a stereotype....the characters are real people with strengths and weaknesses. This is a heartfelt movie which stirs the heart and even the very soul of the viewer.

I had the pleasure of seeing this film at it's world premiere at the Keswick theater in Glenside, PA and it was well worth it. The movie itself was entertaining and captivating. The story line was good and I appreciate that it was different and didn't run as a typical movie might have. Of course that's why I like independent movies. The only sound in this film is a musical score. The rest of the movie is in subtitles for those of us who do not know the sign language that is used by the actors. I'm proud that this movie was filmed so close to home in Pennsylvania. Anthony Natale is a terrific actor. See this film! The only thing I might have liked better was the pacing of the movie. Other than that I enjoyed it.

Universal Signs is groundbreaking and thought-provoking, beautiful and touching, hopeful and inspiring. The audience response was exciting and interesting. (Loved the question/answer session afterward!) We were mesmerized. At times we were so drawn into the film that we thought the actors were audibly speaking rather than signing. Director Ann Calamia and the cinematographer captured the emotions beautifully. We feel like we can understand a little more what it must be like to be deaf. We would love the opportunity to see Universal Signs again to be able to delve into all the symbolism it contains. Hopefully, it will be in theaters soon for all to appreciate!