Siân Heder and the Story She Wanted to Tell Through "CODA"

Siân Heder is an American film director and writer who both wrote and directed the film “CODA.” She began learning American Sign Language (ASL) specifically for the project and collaborated closely with the Deaf community throughout the filmmaking process. It is known that approximately 40% of the film's dialogue is in ASL.

Although there were Hollywood productions featuring Deaf characters before "CODA," in many cases, hearing actors played the Deaf roles. Instead of following this practice, Heder prioritized casting actual Deaf actors.

Troy Kotsur (who plays Ruby’s father, Frank), Marlee Matlin (her mother, Jackie), and Daniel Durant (her older brother, Leo) are all deaf actors in real life. This casting choice completely transformed the atmosphere of the film. Instead of merely learning about deaf culture through explanation, the audience experiences it naturally within the family's daily life.

Heder did not simply want to create a story about "overcoming disability." Instead, she sought to portray a Deaf family as a living, breathing community. The family in the film fights, teases, acts stubborn, and even hurts one another at times. Yet, these very traits make them feel all the more real and human.

The director also employed "silence" as a key element in the film. A prime example is the moment during a performance when all sound is stripped away, and the perspective shifts to that of the Deaf family, allowing the audience to experience the world differently.

“CODA” won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2022, and Troy Kotsur became the first deaf male actor to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. However, the film's greatest significance lies not merely in these awards but in its authentic portrayal of the language and lives of the Deaf community.