September is Deaf Awareness Month, a time to highlight the experiences and challenges of the Deaf community while advocating for greater inclusivity. To help spread awareness, we’ve curated a list of five impactful films that feature deaf characters and bring to light the issues faced by the Deaf community:

1. CODA

The Best Picture winner at the 94th Academy Awards, CODA is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about Ruby, the only hearing member of her deaf family. As a "Child of Deaf Adults" (CODA), Ruby navigates the challenges of helping her family communicate while pursuing her own dream of becoming a singer. This film beautifully portrays the delicate balance between family duty and personal aspirations.

2. A Quiet Place

In A Quiet Place, sound is deadly, and silence is survival. This gripping horror film centers on a young deaf girl, portrayed by Deaf actress Millicent Simmonds, who uses her knowledge of sign language and silence to help her family navigate a terrifying world. Her deafness becomes a vital asset in this suspenseful, silent universe.

3. Isa Pa with Feelings

This Filipino romantic-comedy, starring Maine Mendoza and Carlo Aquino, tells the story of a hearing woman and a Deaf man who fall in love. As they learn to bridge their communication gap, the film delicately explores the intersection of their worlds, culminating in a touching and memorable dance sequence that captures the essence of their relationship.

4. Children of a Lesser God

Marlee Matlin made history as the first deaf actor to win an Oscar for her role in this 1986 romantic drama. Children of a Lesser God follows the story of Sarah, a Deaf worker at a school, and James, a teacher who helps her embrace life outside her comfort zone. The film highlights the deep connection they forge despite the barriers they face, showcasing the beauty and complexity of their relationship.

5. The Hearing

Fresh from its success at Cinemalaya 2024, where lead actor Enzo Osorio won Best Actor, The Hearing is a powerful drama about a deaf-mute child who endures abuse from an authority figure. The film sheds light on the struggles faced by Deaf individuals, particularly children, in the Philippines, as they fight to be heard and understood in a world that often doubts their experiences.