CODA: Film-Screening & Expert Panel

March 9, 2023, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Douglas College - 700 Royal Avenue Laura C. Muir Theatre

Join UBC Language Sciences and Douglas College's Interpreting Program on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 6:00-9:00pm for a screening of the 2021 Academy Award winning film, CODA! The screening will be followed by a panel of CODAs, moderated by ASL specialist and interpreter, Nigel Howard. This event will be held at the Michael J Fox Theatre, 5455 Rumble Street, Burnaby. ASL-English interpretation will be present throughout the entire event.

This event is open to all UBC and Douglas College students and faculty, select members of the community by invitation, and by extended invitation through various d/Deaf community organizations. All ages are welcome to attend, though please keep in mind that the film is rated 14A. 

Registration is required for this free event as there is limited capacity in the theatre. Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 7, 2022.

REGISTER TODAY!

EVENT DETAILS:
  • Date: March 9, 2023
  • Time: 6:00-9:00pm
  • Location: Michael J Fox theatre, 5455 Rumble Street, Burnaby

For those unable to attend, the panel portion of the event will be recorded and published on the Language Sciences website for those interested in viewing it.

FILM SYNOPSIS:

As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family's fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her passion at Berklee College of Music and her fear of abandoning her parents.

This film is rated 14A. 

PANELIST BIOS:

Amanda Zimmer

Amanda Zimmer, Elder Millennial and eldest of three CODAs. Born and raised in the Lower Mainland to Deaf parents, Gerald Zimmer and Gail Zimmer, two very prominent and active figures in the Deaf community. Amanda was blessed with the unique experience of life immersed in Deaf and hearing cultures and bridged the gap between both worlds acting as an unofficial interpreter and cultural mediator. This lived experience had its significant challenges and unexpected benefits which shaped Amanda into the person she is today and ultimately, led to a career as a professional Sign Language Interpreter. Currently, Amanda resides in Pitt Meadows with her hearing husband Jimmy and infant son Maddox, their cat and a couple of Great Danes.

Lily Flanjak

Lily Flanjak (they/she) is a CODA, improvisor, artist, cook, and Sign Language Interpreter. They grew up in the Lower Mainland as the third of four kids, to parents Aastrid Evensen and Mijo Flanjak. They spoke about some of their thoughts about the film CODA on March 25, 2022 for CBC Radio’s Early Edition. Ironically, the transcript is not readily available on their website, meaning it’s inaccessible to Deaf and Deafblind folks. Currently, Lily resides on Coast Salish territory, and works throughout the Lower Mainland. They are a proud auntie of two kiddos, two cats, and two dogs, and enjoy spending time figuring out what life is all about with their loved ones.

Ursula Sargent

Ursula Sargent (they/she) is the youngest of 3 siblings to Deaf parents, Pek Sargent and David Sargent. Intersectionality played a large part in their life as they not only identify as a CODA, but also BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent. Their multifaceted identity plays a large part of what motivated them in becoming a Sign Language Interpreter. They also work at lululemon, where they are actively engaging and creating conversations around accessibility, diversity, and inclusion with their team and in the company. Currently, Ursula resides on Kwikwetlem land while they work in the Lower Mainland as a Sign Language Interpreter. They also spend time back and forth between Sacramento and Vancouver visiting their hearing, long-distance partner Youngjin.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

We are anticipating a high turnout for this event. Mask-wearing is currently optional, but we encourage everyone to make personal choices that provide a level of comfort for their own protection. If you are unwell, we ask that you do not attend. We understand that this may result in last-minute cancellations.

If you have any questions, please email language.sciences@ubc.ca. We hope to see you there!


First Nations land acknowledegement

We acknowledge that UBC’s campuses are situated within the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh, and in the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and their peoples.


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