Eva Libertad’s “Sorda” (“Deaf”) is a film that delves into the world of deaf women and the impact of motherhood on their relationships. The movie, which is vying for the Berlinale Panorama’s prestigious audience award, has garnered attention for shedding light on a topic that is often overlooked in mainstream media.
Picked up by Latido Films in December, “Sorda” is the debut feature film of Libertad, who co-directed the Goya-nominated short of the same name with Nuria Muñoz. The film stars Miriam Garlo, an acclaimed deaf actress and Libertad’s sister. In an interview with Variety, Libertad revealed that the idea for “Sorda” was inspired by her sister’s contemplation of motherhood. She explained, “At that time, she shared her fears as a deaf woman with me, and I realized that I had never thought about it before: the concerns of a deaf woman who wants to be a mother in a hearing world.”
Although “Sorda” is a fictional film, Libertad conducted interviews with deaf mothers to understand their experiences and challenges during pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. The film follows the story of Ángela, a deaf woman expecting a child with her hearing partner, Héctor. As the couple navigates the complexities of raising a child in a world that is not fully inclusive of deaf individuals, their relationship is put to the test.
Libertad, who has a background in sociology, brings a multidimensional perspective to her characters by exploring the societal barriers and prejudices faced by individuals with disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of contextualizing her characters within the ableist society they inhabit, highlighting the struggles they face in a world that often marginalizes them.
One of the most challenging aspects of filming “Sorda” was working with infant actors for the scenes involving Ángela’s daughter, Ona. Libertad recalls the unpredictability of working with babies, who dictated the pace of the scenes and required the crew to adapt to their needs. Despite the challenges, she found that the presence of babies brought a sense of authenticity and vitality to the film.
Looking ahead, Libertad is already contemplating her next project and expresses a desire to collaborate with her sister once again. As she reflects on the impact of “Sorda” and the journey of bringing the film to life, Libertad remains committed to telling stories that challenge societal norms and advocate for greater inclusivity and understanding.
Overall, “Sorda” is a poignant exploration of motherhood, identity, and the bonds that connect us, offering a unique perspective on the experiences of deaf women in a world that often fails to fully recognize their voices.
