The Center for Hearing & Deaf Services (HDS) is proud to co-sponsor the Pittsburgh premiere of Deaf at this year’s ReelAbilities Film Festival on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.

ReelAbilities celebrates the lives, stories, and creativity of people living with disabilities. This year, we’re honored to support an evening that brings Deaf experiences to the forefront - and we’re especially proud that our very own Amy DeLuce will join the post-screening panel discussion.

Directed by Eva Libertad, Deaf has earned international recognition, winning the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize at the 2025 Seattle International Film Festival.

The film follows Angela, a Deaf woman preparing for the arrival of her first child with her hearing partner, Hector. After their daughter’s birth, Angela faces new challenges - balancing motherhood, shifting family dynamics, and her place within a world that often isn’t built for her.

What sets this film apart is its authenticity. Angela is played by Miriam Garlo, Libertad’s Deaf sister, bringing a lived experience to the role that makes the story deeply personal and moving. Deaf offers an honest, layered look at the intersections of Deaf and hearing cultures, identity, and belonging.

Following the screening, a panel of Deaf advocates will discuss the themes and impact of the film. Among the panelists is Amy DeLuce, Assistant Director and Program Specialist at HDS.

With over a decade of experience, Amy leads programs at HDS that empower individuals who are Deaf and have intellectual disabilities. Her work focuses on building self-advocacy, confidence, and independence, while helping to create opportunities for individuals to thrive in their communities. Her perspective on the panel reflects HDS’s mission to advance accessibility and inclusion for all.

The evening will also include the presentation of the 7th Annual Richard Meritzer Award, honoring the memory of Richard Meritzer, who served as ADA Coordinator for the City of Pittsburgh and was a champion for accessibility. This year, the award will be presented to Nancy Murray for her outstanding contributions.

At HDS, we believe in the power of storytelling to foster understanding and create change. By sponsoring ReelAbilities Pittsburgh and supporting the premiere of Deaf, we’re helping bring visibility to Deaf culture and ensuring these important conversations remain part of the broader community dialogue.

Location: Pittsburgh Playhouse

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM - Screening of Deaf

Followed by: Panel Discussion and After-Party

Learn more about the festival here and get your tickets at ReelAbilities Pittsburgh.