Review: CHANGER: A HAND TELLING, a brand new film featuring two deaf Native storytellers

Seattle based Sound Theatre company have released a brand new film featuring two deaf Native storytellers. Led by deaf director Howie Seago, CODA film maker Kyle Seago and Native film maker Raven Two Feathers, CHANGER: A HAND TELLING is a cinematic take on original Coast Salish stories which centres on the Native tribes in the USA.

Filmed on the traditional lands of the Lower Elwha s’Klallam Tribe, the narrative follows mythical characters into a future transformed by tribes exercising Sovereign Treaty rights. G Christian Vasquez and Roberto Sandoval act as as alternating characters to bring the myth of Changer to life amidst a breathtakingly beautiful natural backdrop.

It is refreshing to see Native stories performed in Native Sign Language performed by deaf Native actors, and such a wonderful opportunity to see traditional stories come to life physically and visually.

The film opens and ends with original tribe member Roger Fernandes drumming and singing, which I found particularly enchanting and the Native cultural consultant for the film (Cherokee) was Dr Melanie McKay-Cody, who ensured all performances were authentic as well as artistic.

We very rarely see any Native Sign amongst the deaf community online or in media settings so this was a great platform for this language and a respectful production that ensured the accurate representation of the culture both on and off screen.

The style of the film is clearly influenced by the Native reverence for the Earth and its elements and because of this I especially loved the stunning cinematography, with cut aways into beaches and coastal scenes and glimpses of animals who live by the sea. I felt the movie offered me a unique insight into an unknown part of the world and an opportunity to enjoy brand new, traditional tribal stories.

CHANGER has screened at BAFTA-qualitying Superfest (Best of Fest [Feature] Winner), Seattle Deaf Film Festival, Native Spirit Film Festival, and more. It is available to watch through on demand streaming (pay what you wish)

You can also watch the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku-ylqQHxPY

The link to the film can be found here: https://watch.eventive.org/nativespiritfestival/play/630784311a5f7400528f8194