Guam Deaf: Exposed & Empowered
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Hafa Adai & Hello!
My name is Melissa Cayton, an educator, American Sign Language Interpreter and a proud Chamoru CODA (Child Of Deaf Adults) from the village of Barrigada (familian ma'kaka si Agoun Tass family).
As the eldest hearing child, my role was destined to be one of service. Throughout my life, I have devoted myself to finding ways of bridging the communication gap between the hearing and deaf communities. I became a "go-to" person to help my deaf parents and the deaf people of Guam to be their interpreter, explain important documents, teaching them how to respond in English; assisted with writing letters and more. With these opportunities, I have not only witnessed, but experienced the barriers, challenges, as well as their pain; whether through lack of communication, accessibility, education, or even a basic understanding of and empathy for life as a member of the Guam's deaf community. This lifelong commitment and passion has evolved into a project to document the stories and experiences of the Deaf community in Guam.
I'm passionate and on a mission to create this first of its kind project. I am filming this unique documentary to promote deaf awareness amongst the people of Guam. To give hearing family members, friends, employers and the general public, an opportunity to see a glimpse into Guam's deaf people’s lives. Giving the deaf people means to share their unique stories of hardships, barriers and successes on how they survive in the hearing world.
Through this film, the general public will gain understanding on deaf awareness, in which it will lead to building advocacy, increase communication and build empowerment throughout the deaf community.
“GUAM DEAF: Exposed & Empowered” has an amazing team. I proudly introduce the filming crew: William Dodd; a deaf videographer/ photographer and owner of D3 Omnimedia from the Northwest. Miranda Cabral; fluent in ASL and a hearing family member of several deaf people including her grandparents of deaf adults, whom will be working as our Assistant Photographer, Editor and Audio Technician, as well as myself Melissa Cayton directing the film. We will be filming this July 1st-22nd.
This documentary is not for profit and will be used for public broadcasting and as an entry for the Festival of the Pacific Arts (FestPac), a region-wide festival celebrating the various arts and cultures of the Pacific. The film will include voice interpreting and subtitles and a bonus feature titled "Chagi Chamoru Signs" in which will teach you all how to sign some Chamoru Signs!
Be a part of a dream of mine that the people of Guam's deaf people be understood. By donating to this unique, educational film, you will be helping to make this happen. All donations will help with transportation, lodging, video equipment, post production fee's and a few other necessities. You will play a role in bridging the gap between the hearing and the deaf world.
Together, Let’s make a difference!
Thank you and si yu'us ma'ase!
Melissa Cayton
Director of Guam Deaf: Exposed & Empowered
William Dodd
Photographer & Director of Photography
Miranda Cabral
Assistant Photographer, Videographer & Audio Technician
My name is Melissa Cayton, an educator, American Sign Language Interpreter and a proud Chamoru CODA (Child Of Deaf Adults) from the village of Barrigada (familian ma'kaka si Agoun Tass family).
As the eldest hearing child, my role was destined to be one of service. Throughout my life, I have devoted myself to finding ways of bridging the communication gap between the hearing and deaf communities. I became a "go-to" person to help my deaf parents and the deaf people of Guam to be their interpreter, explain important documents, teaching them how to respond in English; assisted with writing letters and more. With these opportunities, I have not only witnessed, but experienced the barriers, challenges, as well as their pain; whether through lack of communication, accessibility, education, or even a basic understanding of and empathy for life as a member of the Guam's deaf community. This lifelong commitment and passion has evolved into a project to document the stories and experiences of the Deaf community in Guam.
I'm passionate and on a mission to create this first of its kind project. I am filming this unique documentary to promote deaf awareness amongst the people of Guam. To give hearing family members, friends, employers and the general public, an opportunity to see a glimpse into Guam's deaf people’s lives. Giving the deaf people means to share their unique stories of hardships, barriers and successes on how they survive in the hearing world.
Through this film, the general public will gain understanding on deaf awareness, in which it will lead to building advocacy, increase communication and build empowerment throughout the deaf community.
“GUAM DEAF: Exposed & Empowered” has an amazing team. I proudly introduce the filming crew: William Dodd; a deaf videographer/ photographer and owner of D3 Omnimedia from the Northwest. Miranda Cabral; fluent in ASL and a hearing family member of several deaf people including her grandparents of deaf adults, whom will be working as our Assistant Photographer, Editor and Audio Technician, as well as myself Melissa Cayton directing the film. We will be filming this July 1st-22nd.
This documentary is not for profit and will be used for public broadcasting and as an entry for the Festival of the Pacific Arts (FestPac), a region-wide festival celebrating the various arts and cultures of the Pacific. The film will include voice interpreting and subtitles and a bonus feature titled "Chagi Chamoru Signs" in which will teach you all how to sign some Chamoru Signs!
Be a part of a dream of mine that the people of Guam's deaf people be understood. By donating to this unique, educational film, you will be helping to make this happen. All donations will help with transportation, lodging, video equipment, post production fee's and a few other necessities. You will play a role in bridging the gap between the hearing and the deaf world.
Together, Let’s make a difference!
Thank you and si yu'us ma'ase!
Melissa Cayton
Director of Guam Deaf: Exposed & Empowered
William Dodd
Photographer & Director of Photography
Miranda Cabral
Assistant Photographer, Videographer & Audio Technician
Organizer
Melissa Cayton
Organizer
Ridgefield, WA
