Hear and Now

About Hear and Now

"Hear and Now" is a poignant documentary that tells the intimate story of the director’s parents deciding to get cochlear implants — a complex operation to restore their hearing that could allow them to fully integrate into a world that they've spent a lifetime only being able to glimpse. The film raises deep questions about the nature of faith, hope, and the human ability to survive.

Making / Production

Directed and produced by Irene Taylor Brodsky, the making of this film was a deeply personal journey. Filming her own parents, Brodsky presented an intimate portrayal of their decision to undergo this life-changing operation. The documentary was produced by Vermilion Pictures and premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

Actors

• Peter Brooke - As himself, he displayed a strong but hopeful individual taking an important decision late in life.
• Sally Taylor - As herself, Sally offered a poignant portrayal of a woman reconciling with a new way of perceiving the world.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The parents of director Irene Taylor Brodsky were both born deaf.
• The film was primarily shot in the family's home providing viewers with a deep, personal insight.
• 'Hear and Now' was a winner in the "Documentary Competition" at the Sundance Film Festival, 2007.

Awards

True to its profound impact, "Hear and Now" won the Audience Award in the category of "Independent Lens" at the Emmy Awards, 2009. It was also honored with the Audience Award for Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival, 2007.

Quotes

• "What would it be like if one sense you've never had were suddenly available to you?" - Sally Taylor
• "To hear is different... it's a whole new world." - Peter Brooke

Music, Soundtrack

• As befits a film about sound, the soundtrack is atmospheric and designed to emphasize the transformation each character undergoes. Specific songs were not highlighted, rather the documentary utilized an immersive sound design.