A poignant and inspiring narrative of Matlin’s legendary career, struggles and triumphs
The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore” showing July 11-17 at Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres.
In 1987, at the age of just 21, Marlee Matlin shattered expectations as the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award for her groundbreaking performance in “Children of a Lesser God”.
Catapulted into the spotlight, she seized the moment to challenge an industry unprepared for her immense talent, emerging as a trailblazer not only as a performer but also as an author and activist. Matlin’s incredible journey continued with standout roles in acclaimed projects such as “The West Wing” and the Oscar-winning “CODA”, all while relentlessly advocating for greater inclusion and accessibility both within Hollywood and beyond its borders.
Directed by Shoshannah Stern, the film offers an unflinching look at Matlin’s remarkable life through the lens of her primary language, American Sign Language. Matlin opens up about her personal and professional struggles — her meteoric rise to fame, the challenges of navigating a predominantly hearing industry, the pain of a tumultuous high-profile relationship, getting sober and years of being overlooked by Hollywood —alongside her many triumphs.
“Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore” reimagines traditional documentary storytelling, elevating ASL as the film’s heart and soul while removing conventional voiceovers, creating an authentic and visually immersive experience. Through split-screen interviews with both Deaf and hearing contributors, the film weaves a poignant and inspiring narrative of Matlin’s legendary career, highlighting her tireless fight for inclusion and representation in an entertainment world that at first had no place for her.
“Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres July 11-17. Showtimes will be Friday and Tuesday, July 11 and 15 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 12, 16 and 17 at 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m.; and Monday, July 14 at 4:00 p.m.
Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.