Co-sponsored by the Center for Hearing & Deaf Services

Director Eva Libertad delivers an award-winning debut feature with the adaptation of her Goya-nominated short film of the same name. Angela is a deaf woman excitedly expecting her first child with her hearing partner, Hector. But when doubt arrives along with their new daughter, Angela must confront the new challenges of motherhood alongside a growing fissure within her marriage, a difficult relationship with her parents, and all within a world that is not designed for her. Rooted in her bond with her deaf sister, Miriam Garlo, who plays Angela in the film, Libertad explores the complexity of the relationship between the deaf and hearing worlds. Deaf’s strong performances and authentic storytelling earned Libertad the Panorama Audience Award for Best Feature film at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. 

Winner—Grand Jury Prize—2025 Seattle International Film Festival, Ibero-American Competition 

“Profoundly nuanced performance.”  —Cineuropa

“Possibly our favorite film of the year thus far.” —Montage Review 

Preceded by

The 7th annual Richard Meritzer Award, co-sponsored by the City-County Task Force on Disabilities and ReelAbilities Pittsburgh, will be presented to Nancy Murray. The award honors the memory of Richard Meritzer (1953-2019), who served as ADA Coordinator for the City of Pittsburgh from 2007 to 2019 and was a leader in promoting understanding and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.