Happy Holidays
from Discovering Deaf Worlds!
This is an exciting time! Within nine weeks of returning to the
USA, we are already in production of our first documentary film,
Discovering: Shuktara. It is the remarkable story of 18 boys and
girls in Kolkata, India who were given a new chance at life after being
abandoned by their families or escaping abusive homes.
As you know, DDW is dedicated to empowering and advocating for deaf people
around the world. Throughout our international travels, we found several
unique organizations that overcame the hardships of poverty and neglect to
make an enormous impact in their local communities. The Shuktara Home is
one of these organizations.
The purpose of
Discovering: Shuktara is to tell the story of this
magical place that has been tirelessly at work since 1999. While many
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India often overlook homeless
children who are deaf or have cerebral palsy, Shuktara embraces them. This
film will help DDW move closer to one of our long-term goals- assisting
the boys and girls of Shuktara with their language development.
We invite you to become a part of the completion of this documentary.
Production costs will range from $10,000 to $12,000. Your donation of any
amount will help make this film come to life!
For those who are able to donate $100 or more, you will receive a limited
edition copy of
Discovering: Shuktara, which includes a photo slideshow telling
more of Shuktara's story. A donation of $500 or more will entitle you to
one of ten available sponsorship positions for the film: your name will
appear in the credits and your name or business l ogo will appear on the
back cover of the DVD case. Contact
info@discoveringdeafworlds.com for more information.
Discovering: Shuktara will be submitted to the Deaf Rochester Film
Festival, the Sundance Institute, the NYC Rooftop Films Festival, and many
more documentary film showcases. It will be the first in a series of
several DDW short films we intend to submit to PBS, BBC and the Discovery
Channel.
Trailer coming soon!
To learn more about Shuktara, read
DDW's June Newsletter article or visit Shuktara at
www.shuktara.net. If you wou ld like to send a check or
make a secure online donation to the production costs of
Discovering: Shuktara , please visit our website.
Thank you for following DDW throughout our journeys and discoveries. All
that we accomplish is due to your thoughtfulness, interest, and support.
Namaste,
Christy Smith, Dave Justice, and Davin Searls
The Discovering Deaf Worlds Team
2220 Ridgeway Ave
Rochester, NY 14626
More about Shuktara at:
http://www.discoveringdeafworlds.com/discovering_shuktara.php