CODA (Film)

CODA (Child of Deaf Adults(Hearing Child of Deaf Parents)) is a 2021 American feature-length drama film directed and written by Siân Heder. The narrative centers on a young girl who is the only hearing member of a deaf family and lives with them. The film explores the relationship between familial responsibilities and personal aspirations. It was produced using English and American Sign Language.

Plot

The film follows Ruby Rossi, who lives with her deaf mother, father, and older brother. As the only hearing member of the family, Ruby acts as an interpreter between her family and the outside world during their fishing livelihood and participates in daily household routines. Ruby’s school life is presented alongside her family’s social and economic circumstances. Her talent for music is discovered during choir rehearsals at school, leading to new possibilities in her education. As the prospect of Ruby pursuing formal music training emerges, her responsibilities within the family are woven into the narrative. The plot unfolds around Ruby’s experiences balancing family life with her academic and musical development. The story examines communication within the family, everyday practices, and the decision-making processes that shape an individual’s life. In this context, the film presents Ruby’s journey within the framework of family structure and educational growth.

Themes

A Scene from the Film (IMDb)

Family Life: The film portrays the daily life and interpersonal relationships within a family composed of deaf parents and children.

Communication: The narrative highlights the ways deaf individuals communicate among themselves and with hearing people.

Education: Ruby’s school life and her participation in choir activities are presented as part of the theme of education.

Individual Talent: The emergence of Ruby’s musical ability and the developments stemming from it are explored thematically.

Family Responsibilities: The roles and duties Ruby assumes as the sole hearing member of her family are addressed within the thematic framework.

A Scene from the Film (IMDb)

Characters

• Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones): The young protagonist who is the only hearing member of a deaf family; her school life and family life are presented together in the narrative.
• Jackie Rossi (Marlee Matlin): Ruby’s mother; one of the deaf characters within the family structure.
• Frank Rossi (Troy Kotsur): Ruby’s father; a deaf character who works in the family’s fishing business.
• Leo Rossi (Daniel Durant): Ruby’s older brother; one of the deaf characters involved in family life and daily routines.
• Bernardo Villalobos (Eugenio Derbez): Ruby’s music teacher at school; becomes part of the narrative through the choir program.
• Miles (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo): A male student in the choir who shares Ruby’s musical interests and environment.
• Gertie (Amy Forsyth): One of Ruby’s schoolmates who participates in the choir.

Production and Technical Details

The film was produced with Siân Heder serving as director and screenwriter. It is an American feature-length cinematic production. The languages used in the film are English and American Sign Language. Cinematography was handled by Paula Huidobro. Editing was carried out by Geraud Brisson. The musical score was composed by Marius de Vries. The film was produced in the standard feature-length cinema format.

Awards

CODA has been nominated for and won awards in various categories at international film festivals and award ceremonies.

CODA Oscar Award (IMDb)

Major Awards and Nominations

Academy Awards (Oscars) – 94th Academy Awards (2022)

• Best Picture – Won
• Best Supporting Actor – Troy Kotsur – Won
• Best Adapted Screenplay – Siân Heder – Won

British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA)

• Best Supporting Actor – Troy Kotsur – Won
• Best Adapted Screenplay – Won
• Best Actress – Emilia Jones – Nominated

Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG)

• Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture – Won
• Best Supporting Actor – Troy Kotsur – Won

Producers Guild of America Awards (PGA)

• Best Theatrical Motion Picture Producer – Won

Writers Guild of America Awards (WGA)

• Best Adapted Screenplay – Won

Sundance Film Festival

• Grand Jury Prize – Dramatic – Won
• Audience Award – Dramatic – Won
• Best Director – Dramatic – Won
• Special Jury Award – Community Spirit – Won