Event
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
“An intimate and moving documentary that takes us through the legendary life of Marlee Matlin, uncovering a legacy of advocacy, activism, and perseverance.” – RogerEbert.com
“It’s as much about its form as its content; what it says is demonstrated by how it says it. The resulting film is engrossing — and it’s also profound.” – The NYT
“The result is an intimate portrait of a deaf artist who led a 35-year crusade for equity and inclusion in an industry that’s never quite known how to deal with her.” – NPR
“An engaging, exuberant portrait…touches on Deaf identity and expression in a way that very few films have done. ” – Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter
98% on Rotten Tomatoes
Academy Award® winner Marlee Matlin recounts the winding road of her life and career as the most influential Deaf actor of her generation in this sublime 2025 American documentary film, directed and produced by Shoshannah Stern.
Marlee Matlin was born into a hearing family, like roughly 95% of Deaf people. Growing up in Illinois, she faced episodes of isolation and abuse. She found joy in performing at a local deaf theater. In 1987, Marlee Matlin became the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award and was thrust into the spotlight at 21 years old. Reflecting on her life in her primary language of American Sign Language, NOT ALONE ANYMORE explores the complexities of what it means to be a trailblazer. As a child, filmmaker Shoshannah Stern was inspired to believe that a deaf woman like herself could pursue a career as an actor after seeing Matlin win her Oscar. Stern’s directorial debut is an intimate, honest, and loving conversation between two profoundly connected people that weaves together Matlin’s first-person account with interviews from those who know her best.
