(From a recent email sent via DiscoveringDeafWorlds.com [an organization founded by S6's Christy Smith and her CODA friend Dave Justice]):
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.discoveringdea.../discovering_shuktara.php
