PBS’ documentary series “American Masters” focuses on the life of actor, activist and author Marlee Matlin with the documentary “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore.”
The film will use ASL as its primary language. Together with stylized subtitling and dynamic editing, it aims to push the boundaries of conventional documentaries and bring together deaf and hearing team members in production and post-production roles.
“The film explores Matlin’s life as a groundbreaking artist whose meteoric and tumultuous rise to fame began in 1987 when she became the first deaf actor to win an Academy Award for her role in ‘Children of a Lesser God.’ At the age of 21, Matlin was thrust into the national spotlight, becoming for many Americans the first deaf person they saw on TV and overnight becoming the de facto representative of the deaf community,” the log line reads.
It continues: “The film features never-before-seen home video, filmed over the course of Matlin’s 37-year career by her longtime interpreter and production partner Jack Jason – including behind-the-scenes footage of Matlin on the sets of some of her most iconic films. roles including “Children of a Lesser God,” “The West Wing” and “Seinfeld.” For the first time in her own language, Matlin will reflect on her relationship with actor William Hurt, her place in the deaf community, her struggle for roles and accessibility in Hollywood and what it means to be ‘the first’.
Shoshannah Stern (“This Close,” “Supernatural,” “Grey’s Anatomy”) directs the documentary, which features interviews with Henry Winkler, Aaron Sorkin, Randa Haines, Sian Heder, Lauren Ridloff and John Maucere, among others.
“As a deaf woman who first saw herself reflected in Marlee as a child, I was inspired to become an actor. I am now an actor, writer and, with this film, director. I experience everything that Marlee has made possible in a beautiful metaphysical tandem,” Stern said in a statement. “In our film, the telling of her story is depicted through the easy familiarity people have with an interviewer sharing their experiences. Hopefully, this will make our project an example of why no one, let alone Marlee Matlin, should be alone anymore.”
Actual Films and American Masters Pictures co-produced the project, and WNET Group’s theatrical documentary imprint is co-produced by PBS’ ‘American Masters,’ Impact Partners and ITVS in association with AfterImage Public Media.
The documentary was produced by Robyn Kopp, Bonni Cohen and Justine Nagan of Actual Films. Michael Kantor is the executive producer of “American Masters.” EPs include Ruth Ann and Bill Harnisch, Melony and Adam Lewis, Patty Quillin and Jenny Raskin; co-EP is Ann W Lovell.
The documentary is expected to be released in 2025.