Austin Unbound: a Deaf Journey of Transgender Heroism
- Directed By: Eliza Greenwood, Sel Staley, Basil Shadid
- Produced By: Eliza Greenwood
Educational Release: 2014
Running Time: 43 minutes
NTSC / ASL with English subtitles
Subjects: Gender and Sexuality Studies, Gender, People with Disability
Deafness may appear to be his disability, but that isn't what makes Austin self-conscious. This is a film at the intersection of Deaf and transgender. Burdened by female anatomy, he binds his chest every day. While his mother strives to accept his male identity, Austin's community views him as a pioneer. A natural comedian and romantic, Austin's courageous journey is shared in AUSTIN UNBOUND, which follows him through personal reflections, family interactions, and even into the operating room. AUSTIN UNBOUND, a deaf journey of transgender heroism breaks through barriers and tells a sensitive story with grace and heart.
"Austin Unbound" trailer music by Chris Funk from Eliza Greenwood on Vimeo.
"The film is unique in that it is entirely in sign language and captions/subtitles; even the voices of hearing people are not heard. But that adds to its power."
- Beth Haller, Media dis&dat
Awards:
- Best film that breaks down stereotypes - Breaking Down Barriers International Film Festival, Moscow Russia 2012
- Best Doc - Seattle Deaf Film Festival 2012
- Official Selection - Transcreen Film Festival 2013
- Official Selection - TIDFAF 2013
- Official Selection - Reel Out 2013
- Official Selection - Rainbow Reels 2013
- Official Selection - Focus Film Festival 2012
- Official Selection - Portland Oregon Women's Film Festival 2012
- Official Selection - Northwest Filmmakers Festival 2011
- Official Selection - Melbourne Queer Film Festival 2012
- Official Selection - Seattle Deaf Film Festival 2012
- Official Selection - Maine Deaf Film Festival 2012
- Official Selection - Ashland Independent Film Festival 2012
- Official Selection - Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival 2012
- Official Selection - Translations: The Settle Transgender Film Festival 2012
- Official Selection - CineDeaf 2012
- Official Selection - BOSIFest 2012
- Official Selection - Kashish-Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2012
- Official Selection - DeafFest 2012
- Official Selection - Entzaubert 2012
- Official Selection - Out on Screen, Vancouver Queer Film Festival 2012
- Official Selection - Gender Reel 2012
- Official Selection - OFF (Other Film Festival) 2012
- Official Selection - Queer Lisboa Film Festival 2012
- Official Selection - Hamburg International Queer Film Festival 2012
Quotes:
"Austin Unbound asks audiences to gaze into a normally private journey. I ask myself what kind of gaze is this? What outcome will result from this viewing? Austin takes us on a deeply personal journey. For that I am grateful." - Ben Bahan, ASL Literature Professor, Gallaudet University
Austin Unbound lets viewers into two little known worlds: Deaf & transgender. Highly likable and accessible, this provocative film employs the Deaf community's collective approach to exchanging and sharing information in an honest and up-front manner to the advantage of anyone interested in, experiencing, or simply curious about the transition process of a young man. - Jamison Green, Author of Becoming a Visible Man
Austin Unbound offers a rich life story that invites activists and community members alike to consider how understandings of gender, race, and disability profoundly shape lives and identities in the United States - Dr. Susan Burch, Historian, Middlebury College
Deftly weaving a tale of modern day manhood, Austin Unbound acknowledges society's barriers, but portrays how gender stereotypes are frail and outdated. Watching the film illuminates the misconception that all people always fit neatly into gendered labels and boxes. This film captured my heart, opened my eyes - as well as my mind- and changed my life! - Dr. Jan Humphrey, Professor of Interpreting at University of North Florida
The galvanizing story of an exceedingly likeable human being who's made happier as he's able to more fully express all the parts of who he is. See it with your own best pals. - Lindsay Baltus, Bitch Magazine
Austin is a proud and self-assured man and so obviously a role model, not only to the deaf and transgender communities, but to everyone he encounters. - Michelle da Silva, The Georga Straight
“PPR or PUBLIC PERFORMANCE RIGHTS” means the right for institutions and organizations to privately screen the title in an educational setting, in addition to face-to-face teaching. To hold a larger event or community screening, be in touch with the filmmaker by CLICKING HERE!