Feeling Through
Feeling Through
The unlikely connection between a teen without a home and a DeafBlind man, made in association with the Helen Keller National Center to cast a DeafBlind actor. (ASL-Interpreted version of the pitch video below)
The unlikely connection between a teen without a home and a DeafBlind man, made in association with the Helen Keller National Center to cast a DeafBlind actor. (ASL-Interpreted version of the pitch video below)
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Story
Inclusion Statement
We're thrilled to partner with the Helen Keller National Center to cast a DeafBlind actor as one of our leads. It is vital that this story be told by a diverse community of artists, cast and crew. We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment in which every voice is welcomed and respected.About The Project
ASL-Interpreted Version of the Intro Video
With Helen Keller National Center as our fiscal sponsor, each and every donation made to this campaign is tax deductible within the limits of the law. And if you are an individual or corporation with a particular charitable initiative, feel free to contact us at feelingthroughfilm@gmail.com for more information.
Feeling Through follows the story of Tereek, a kind but guarded teen wandering the streets of New York, desperate for a place to crash for the night, and his encounter with Artie, a DeafBlind man in need of help getting home. What begins as an awkward meeting between strangers becomes an intimate bond between friends and a nightlong journey that forever changes Tereek. It takes someone who can neither see nor hear Tereek to really know him, and in turn, inspire him to realize his own sense of purpose.
The journey of Feeling Through began seven years ago when I had a chance encounter with a man named Artemio on a New York City street corner. We shared an instant connection that night as Artemio was one of the most trusting and open-hearted people I had ever met. He also happened to be DeafBlind, and this experience not only inspired the story of Feeling Through, but motivated me to learn more about a community I realized I knew nothing about.
Fast forward to eight months ago when a phone call with the Helen Keller National Center propelled Feeling Through into the realm of possibility and grew the project into something far greater than I had imagined. As our relationship has evolved, I’ve gotten the opportunity to learn more about the work they’re doing and how Feeling Through can potentially benefit that work. I’ve also had the privilege of connecting with organizations like the Braille Institute and Commission on Compassion and the communities they serve in Los Angeles, and have even started taking beginning ASL classes myself. What felt like a brief but special connection seven years ago has blossomed into a life-changing journey.
Sue Ruzenski, Executive Director - Helen Keller National Center
Executive Director of Helen Keller National Center speaking on the importance of Feeling Through
It has been our ongoing dialogue with the Helen Keller National Center, as well as members of the DeafBlind community in both Los Angeles and New York, that has transformed this moving short film into a multifaceted campaign.
A coming of age story about the connection between a teen without a home and a DeafBlind man, Feeling Through will feature the first DeafBlind actor to play a lead role in a film, yet it is not a film about DeafBlindness. We aim to showcase this story’s universal appeal on both the film festival circuit and through various online platforms, while also seizing the opportunity to promote an authentic portrayal of a DeafBlind character in a film and challenge common stereotypes and misconceptions.
We will also capture the story within the story. A second film crew will chronicle the unique process of bringing this project to life, from the casting room to the cutting room floor, specifically highlighting the journey of the actor playing Artie, the impact of this artistic collaboration, and how it can inform future representations of the DeafBlind community in media.
We envision both films serving to promote DeafBlind awareness and inspire people to engage locally. To further support this effort we will be working with the Helen Keller National Center to launch a nationwide event series consisting of screenings of both films accompanied by a panel discussion with members of the DeafBlind community.
1. Follow our Seed & Spark campaign (the button at the top of the page next to our video).
2. Follow Feeling Through on social media. On instagram (@feelingthrough) and facebook (@feelingthrough).
3. Spread the word!
**All money we raise beyond our film costs will go directly to the Helen Keller National Center.**
Writer/Director Doug Roland's last film, Jada, about a 7-year-old runaway living on Venice Beach, has over 15,000,000 views on YouTube, garnering tens of thousands of comments and messages from people all over the world deeply moved by it. We believe Feeling Through can have an even greater impact.
CREDITS(generous human beings):
Cinematographers for the videos:
- Steve Pierce: @some_point_you_know
- Austin Smoak: @austinsmoak7
Score: Ali Helnwein - @alihelnwein
Page graphics: Ryan Bergeron
Storyboard Images: Sam Smith - @samsmiththeartist
Incentives
$10
Our eternal gratitude
Our eternal gratitude for supporting this project and Helen Keller National Center's mission.
$25
A shout-out on social media
A shout-out on our social media, and of course...our eternal gratitude.
$35
Braille Love Leaf
Artist and teacher, Laura Bollet, was inspired by years of teaching the wonderful students at Helen Keller National Center. Made from a process of clay to cast to 3-D printing, written on the center is the word "love"in braille.
Size: 2" x 3"
Photographer: Laura Bollet MA, ATR EDS
Claimed: 17 of 20
$50
First chance to see the film
An early-access private link to view the film before it's released to the public. Plus a shout-out on social media and our eternal gratitude.
$75
Handmade macrame "I Love You" hand
The sign for "I love you" is a combination of the ASL letters "I," "L," and "Y." Proudly display this symbol of love, made by HKNC students. Plus a first chance to see the film, a shout-out on social media, and our eternal gratitude.
Medium: macrame
Size: 4" x 12.5"
Photographer: Laura Bollet MA, ATR EDS
Claimed: 6 of 25
$100
Book of poems from Deafblind poet and former HKNC director
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Receive a paperback copy of "My Song, My Delight," a compilation of poems written by the late Dr. Robert J. Smithdas, one of the founders and former director of HKNC's Community Education Department. Dr. Smithdas lost his sight and hearing at the age of five. Through his personal achievements and pioneering advocacy for others, Dr. Smithdas paved the way for others with a combined vision and hearing loss to find acceptance as full members of society.
Plus a first chance to see the film, a shout-out on social media, and our eternal gratitude.
Claimed: 30 of 50
$250
A personal ASL signed thank you video from HKNC
Members of the HKNC community will create a personalized signed thank you video for you, which will be shared on social media as part of our thanks. Plus a first chance to see the film, a shout-out on social media, and our eternal gratitude.
Claimed: 3 of 20
$500
Script Consultation
A script consultation on your film or tv pilot from writer/director Doug Roland. This includes a one-hour video chat with Doug and a chance to go over notes, script suggestions, and overall feel good conversation. Feel free to gift the consultation to anyone you know who may need a little guidance in this wild industry! Plus a first chance to see the film, a social media shout-out, and our eternal gratitude.
Claimed: 3 of 5
$1,000
Original artwork from DeafBlind artist Nery Martinez
Receive this one-of-a-kind, original painting, entitled "Dark-Light Flowers," from DeafBlind artist, Nery Martinez. Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, Nery attended HKNC from October 2013 to November 2014 and painted this lovely work in a master class there.Medium: Acrylic paint on wood panel, paper
Size: 12" x 12"
Photographer: Laura Bollet MA, ATR EDS
Plus 1 producer volunteer hour, a first chance to see the film, a social media shout-out, and our eternal gratitude.
Claimed: 0 of 1
$1,000
Volunteer Hours
A member of the producing team will donate one hour of their time to volunteer at local DeafBlind-related organizations. Feel free to join us! Plus a first chance to see the film, a social media shoutout, and our eternal gratitude.
$1,000
Original artwork from artist Raise Nosova
Raisa Nosova is a professional artist who has taught a master class for HKNC students. This beauitful still life painting, entitled "Separation," makes a wonderful addition to any home. Hang this beautiful work proudly knowing that you are supporting a worthy project in doing so.
Medium: Oil on wood panel
Size: 11" x 14"
Photographer: Laura Bollet MA, ATR EDS
Plus 1 producer volunteer hour, a first chance to see the film, a social media shout-out, and our eternal gratitude.
Sold Out!
$1,000
"Feel" sculpture by artist Alex Racine
Alex Racine specializes in sculpting larger-than-life parts of the human body. His work has been exhibited at galleries throughout the New York metropolitan area, and he has two permanent outdoor sculptures on public display in Brooklyn, as well as many in private collections. This is a beautiful piece that also exemplifies a core aspect of the DeafBlind experience and our film..."feel."
Medium: Ceramic terra cotta sculpture entitled, “Feel”
Size: 7 1/2” x 7 1/2” x 5”
Weight: 8 lbs with attached mounting bracket for indoor or outdoor hanging.Photographer: Laura Bollet MA, ATR EDS
Plus 1 producer volunteer hour, a first chance to see the film, a social media shout-out, and our eternal gratitude.
Sold Out!
$2,000
Very special thanks in the credits
Your name will appear on our IMDB page and in the end credits of the film as a very special thank you. This level includes 2 producer volunteer hours, plus a first chance to see the film, a social media shoutout, and our eternal gratitude.
$5,000
Associate Producer
Consider this your first big move into becoming a Hollywood hotshot. Your name will be memoralized as part of this special film by appearing on our IMDB page and in the end credits of the film. And in addition to the perks in the previous level (including 5 producer volunteer hours), if you're in NY, join us on set one night for dinner and an up close and personal look at the making of this one-of-a-kind film. See what its like to be a part of the magic (and stress) of filmmaking.
$10,000
Executive Producer
Oh.....hey there, big shot EXECUTIVE PRODUCER! I didn't recognize you. In addition to the perks of the two previous levels (and 10 producer volunteer hours), you will receive a special invite +1 to join us at private screenings in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington DC. You'll also be an honored guest at any of our national event series screenings, where you will be personalized recognized before our panel discussion.
Pledger is responsible for the tranportation and lodging for any screening.
$10,000
Corporate Sponsorship
Are you a company that wants to be a part of this impactful project? Become a sponsor and we’ll prominently feature your company's logo in the end credits of the film along with a "very special thanks." Also, our 10 producer volunteer hours that are included in this incentive will be announced in your company's honor on our social media.
$25,000
In Home Concert
This is the be all, end all level. For 25k, you are an executive producer and get all of the above plus the kitchen sink (and 25 producer volunteer hours!). Our producer, Luis Figueroa, has appeared on Broadway and theatres across the US and internationally. If you're in NY or LA, throw a cocktail party with confidence knowing that the evening's entertainment will be world-class. Luis and several of his Broadway friends will provide an evening of songs and stories of the Great White Way. All we ask is that you have a baby grand in your grand salle (jk, but it does help!).
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Our eternal gratitude
Our eternal gratitude for supporting this project and Helen Keller National Center's mission.
$25
A shout-out on social media
A shout-out on our social media, and of course...our eternal gratitude.
$35
Braille Love Leaf
Artist and teacher, Laura Bollet, was inspired by years of teaching the wonderful students at Helen Keller National Center. Made from a process of clay to cast to 3-D printing, written on the center is the word "love"in braille.
Size: 2" x 3"
Photographer: Laura Bollet MA, ATR EDS
Claimed: 17 of 20
$50
First chance to see the film
An early-access private link to view the film before it's released to the public. Plus a shout-out on social media and our eternal gratitude.
$75
Handmade macrame "I Love You" hand
The sign for "I love you" is a combination of the ASL letters "I," "L," and "Y." Proudly display this symbol of love, made by HKNC students. Plus a first chance to see the film, a shout-out on social media, and our eternal gratitude.
Medium: macrame
Size: 4" x 12.5"
Photographer: Laura Bollet MA, ATR EDS
Claimed: 6 of 25
$100
Book of poems from Deafblind poet and former HKNC director
Receive a paperback copy of "My Song, My Delight," a compilation of poems written by the late Dr. Robert J. Smithdas, one of the founders and former director of HKNC's Community Education Department. Dr. Smithdas lost his sight and hearing at the age of five. Through his personal achievements and pioneering advocacy for others, Dr. Smithdas paved the way for others with a combined vision and hearing loss to find acceptance as full members of society.
Plus a first chance to see the film, a shout-out on social media, and our eternal gratitude.
Claimed: 30 of 50
$250
A personal ASL signed thank you video from HKNC
Members of the HKNC community will create a personalized signed thank you video for you, which will be shared on social media as part of our thanks. Plus a first chance to see the film, a shout-out on social media, and our eternal gratitude.
Claimed: 3 of 20
$500
Script Consultation
A script consultation on your film or tv pilot from writer/director Doug Roland. This includes a one-hour video chat with Doug and a chance to go over notes, script suggestions, and overall feel good conversation. Feel free to gift the consultation to anyone you know who may need a little guidance in this wild industry! Plus a first chance to see the film, a social media shout-out, and our eternal gratitude.
Claimed: 3 of 5
$1,000
Original artwork from DeafBlind artist Nery Martinez
Receive this one-of-a-kind, original painting, entitled "Dark-Light Flowers," from DeafBlind artist, Nery Martinez. Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, Nery attended HKNC from October 2013 to November 2014 and painted this lovely work in a master class there.Medium: Acrylic paint on wood panel, paper
Size: 12" x 12"
Photographer: Laura Bollet MA, ATR EDS
Plus 1 producer volunteer hour, a first chance to see the film, a social media shout-out, and our eternal gratitude.
Claimed: 0 of 1
$1,000
Volunteer Hours
A member of the producing team will donate one hour of their time to volunteer at local DeafBlind-related organizations. Feel free to join us! Plus a first chance to see the film, a social media shoutout, and our eternal gratitude.
$1,000
Original artwork from artist Raise Nosova
Raisa Nosova is a professional artist who has taught a master class for HKNC students. This beauitful still life painting, entitled "Separation," makes a wonderful addition to any home. Hang this beautiful work proudly knowing that you are supporting a worthy project in doing so.
Medium: Oil on wood panel
Size: 11" x 14"
Photographer: Laura Bollet MA, ATR EDS
Plus 1 producer volunteer hour, a first chance to see the film, a social media shout-out, and our eternal gratitude.
Sold Out!
$1,000
"Feel" sculpture by artist Alex Racine
Alex Racine specializes in sculpting larger-than-life parts of the human body. His work has been exhibited at galleries throughout the New York metropolitan area, and he has two permanent outdoor sculptures on public display in Brooklyn, as well as many in private collections. This is a beautiful piece that also exemplifies a core aspect of the DeafBlind experience and our film..."feel."
Medium: Ceramic terra cotta sculpture entitled, “Feel”
Size: 7 1/2” x 7 1/2” x 5”
Weight: 8 lbs with attached mounting bracket for indoor or outdoor hanging.Photographer: Laura Bollet MA, ATR EDS
Plus 1 producer volunteer hour, a first chance to see the film, a social media shout-out, and our eternal gratitude.
Sold Out!
$2,000
Very special thanks in the credits
Your name will appear on our IMDB page and in the end credits of the film as a very special thank you. This level includes 2 producer volunteer hours, plus a first chance to see the film, a social media shoutout, and our eternal gratitude.
$5,000
Associate Producer
Consider this your first big move into becoming a Hollywood hotshot. Your name will be memoralized as part of this special film by appearing on our IMDB page and in the end credits of the film. And in addition to the perks in the previous level (including 5 producer volunteer hours), if you're in NY, join us on set one night for dinner and an up close and personal look at the making of this one-of-a-kind film. See what its like to be a part of the magic (and stress) of filmmaking.
$10,000
Executive Producer
Oh.....hey there, big shot EXECUTIVE PRODUCER! I didn't recognize you. In addition to the perks of the two previous levels (and 10 producer volunteer hours), you will receive a special invite +1 to join us at private screenings in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington DC. You'll also be an honored guest at any of our national event series screenings, where you will be personalized recognized before our panel discussion.
Pledger is responsible for the tranportation and lodging for any screening.
$10,000
Corporate Sponsorship
Are you a company that wants to be a part of this impactful project? Become a sponsor and we’ll prominently feature your company's logo in the end credits of the film along with a "very special thanks." Also, our 10 producer volunteer hours that are included in this incentive will be announced in your company's honor on our social media.
$25,000
In Home Concert
This is the be all, end all level. For 25k, you are an executive producer and get all of the above plus the kitchen sink (and 25 producer volunteer hours!). Our producer, Luis Figueroa, has appeared on Broadway and theatres across the US and internationally. If you're in NY or LA, throw a cocktail party with confidence knowing that the evening's entertainment will be world-class. Luis and several of his Broadway friends will provide an evening of songs and stories of the Great White Way. All we ask is that you have a baby grand in your grand salle (jk, but it does help!).
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Doug Roland (writer • director • producer)
Based in Los Angeles and raised in New York City, Doug is an independent filmmaker who has a passion for telling stories of individuals and communities overlooked and underrepresented. His short film Jada played in over 2 dozen festivals around the world before becoming a viral sensation with more than 15 million views on YouTube, garnering thousands of comments and emails from viewers around the world deeply moved and inspired by it. Doug produced the feature film Life Hack which has racked up 16 awards on the festival circuit (including Best Independent Feature at the Cleveland International Film Festival), and will soon be available to view on multiple platforms. Doug studied film at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and FAMU in Prague.
Luis Augusto Figueroa (producer)
Born in Panama and raised in Washington, D.C., Luis's bicultural upbringing informs his
storytelling. Throughout his sixteen year career, he has performed in the Tony Award
winning productions of 42nd Street and Wicked while helming projects on both television and the silver screen. A graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and student of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Luis draws from his experiences, having matured as an artist in the Big Apple, Los Angeles, and while touring the globe on stage. Expanding his craft, Luis has found writing and producing as a way for him to speak his voice and mold his vision, using film as the medium to express the unique and vulnerable human condition.
Django Palty (producer)
Django is a Los Angeles-based actor and writer from San Francisco with a background in theatre and spoken word. Having spent the bulk of his childhood in an artist/activist warehouse, he developed an early love for storytelling and a profound respect for the transformative and unifying power stories hold. Django received his BFA in theater from Brooklyn College and has spent the past 10 years performing in theater and independent films in New York. He's had the privilege of developing work with The Actors Studio, LAByrinth, Boomerang, Stable Cable, Barefoot, Culture Project, and Exquisite Corpse.
Jessica Leventhal (producer)
Jessica has worked as a writer, producer, and development executive in Los Angeles for several years. Her credits includethe Academy Awards; the film Silver Linings Playbook; the staged reading of Dustin Lance Black’s “8” to benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rights’ SCOTUS case for marriage equality; the opening ceremony of the International Olympic Committee’s 2012 Women in Sports Conference; and a benefit for the Annenberg Foundation to help fledgling nonprofits. She also produced the concert I Am Harvey Milk at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall to benefit the Hetrick-Martin Institute for LGBTQ youth. Jessica is currently producing two feature films and writing a series for television. She grew up acting in New York City and studied English and theater at Yale University. Recently disabled by a chronic illness, Jessica understands firsthand the importance of representation and the power of kindness and compassion. She’s thrilled to be part of this important project.
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