PARK CITY, Utah (AP) – The 41st Sundance Film Festival commenced with the premiere of "Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore," a documentary that provides an unflinchingly honest look at the life of deaf actor Marlee Matlin. The film premiered on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Eccles Theater in Park City, Utah, marking a significant moment for the festival.

Following the screening, audiences greeted Matlin with a standing ovation, with many attendees visibly moved by her compelling narrative. The documentary covers various facets of Matlin's life, both personal and professional, including her childhood, the impact of losing her hearing at 18 months, her Oscar-winning role in "Children of a Lesser God," and her tumultuous romantic relationship with the late William Hurt.

The film, directed by Shoshanna Stern, who is also deaf, was requested specifically by Matlin when approached by American Masters. Matlin has previously recounted her experiences in her memoir, "I'll Scream Later," but often felt that her allegations regarding her relationship with Hurt were not taken seriously until the advent of the #MeToo movement. Media coverage at the time often prioritized sensational aspects of her relationship, such as comments about their intimacy, over the serious allegations of abuse.

"Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore" not only serves as a personal account of Matlin but also as an exploration of deaf culture. It highlights her involuntary role as a spokesperson for the deaf community, especially following her Oscar win, which made her a prominent figure. The documentary includes discussions about Matlin's advocacy efforts, such as her lobbying for closed captioning in Congress and her involvement in the Gallaudet University protests known as "Deaf President Now!"

The film also reveals the challenges Matlin faced within the film industry, including struggles to receive roles not specifically written for deaf actors. Aaron Sorkin, who cast her in "The West Wing," emphasized that writing for deaf actors should not be perceived as challenging. When it came to the casting process for the film "CODA," there was initial pressure from the studio to cast a hearing A-list male star opposite Matlin. However, she stood firm and insisted on casting a deaf actor, ultimately feeling gratified when Troy Kotsur won an Oscar for his performance.

A unique aspect of the documentary is its inclusion of closed captioning and verbal translations for hearing audiences, promoting an inclusive viewing experience. Interviewees were equipped with earpieces to facilitate real-time translations, enhancing the documentary's accessibility. The film features heartfelt conversations with significant figures in Matlin's life, including her long-time translator and actor Henry Winkler, who played a crucial role in her career by encouraging her during her formative years.

Despite her accomplishments, Matlin revealed feelings of disappointment during her Oscars presentation the year following her own win, where she felt distanced from the deaf community. As Matlin reflects on the cultural and industry changes since her rise to fame, she sees "Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore" as a timely opportunity to share her story. In her words, she expressed, “It’s never really the right time. So, why not?”

For ongoing updates from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/sundance-film-festival.