Premiere Screening of 95 Decibels followed by Q & A

The following is a press release:

Friday, Sept. 27, The Film Society of Summit will host the first public screening of the new film 95 Decibels which explores the emotional obstacles parents face when they get an unexpected diagnosis of hearing loss for their child.  In the film, parents Erica and Dylan who have normal hearing struggle over what path to take for their deaf daughter, Sophia.

     95 Decibels features actor Goran Visnijc in his first role as a doctor since playing Dr. Luka Kovacs on NBC’s ER.  The film also features actors Megan Corry, Tyler Hollinger, Edward Furs, Krista Amigone and Michelle Vergara, and three talented children actors including Zack Hernandez and Emma Catucci as Sophia. 

     95 Decibels is based on a true story and was filmed in Summit and New York. 

The purpose of making 95 Decibels is to educate the public on early detection of hearing loss and to improve the acceptance of and access to the technology of cochlear implants, according to Lisa Reznik, the film’s writer and director.  Nancy Schumann, AVT will lead discussion with the cast and audience on issues raised by the film following the screening. Reznik and her daughter Miranda, whose stories influence the film, will also speak about their personal journeys.

     “We’re hoping the film can have a role in educating global audiences about the wonders of cochlear implant technologies and how early intervention has such a major role in a child’s mainstream education, like for my daughter Miranda,” the film’s producer, Dan Meyers said.   He Requests for screenings have come from as far away as Australia, he said.

     One of every 1,000 babies is born with significant hearing loss.  Today, the advanced technology of cochlear implants allows deaf children to hear and learn to speak.  As of December 2010, approximately 219,000 people worldwide have received cochlear implants; in the U.S., roughly 42,600 adults and 28,400 children are recipients.

     A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device designed to provide sound information and improved communication ability to adults and children who have a profound sensorineural hearing loss “nerve deafness” in both.  For individuals with a profound hearing loss, even the most powerful hearing aids provide little if any benefit.

     The website for the film is www.95Decibels.com

     The next public screening of 95 Decibels will take place in Washington, DC on Oct. 24that the first annual meeting of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance. www.acialliance.org   95 Decibels will also be screened at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in October, date to be announced.

     The program will be held at The Film Society of Summit at MONDO Summit. 426 Springfield Avenue, 3rd floor, Summit, NJ.  Admission is $10 in advance, $12 at the door.  Seating is limited.

www.smarttix.com for advance reservations

Please direct any questions to The Film Society of Summit, MONDO Summit, 426 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ  (973)885-1983.

With a year-round program of screenings and special events, the Film Society of Summitpresents special screenings of contemporary domestic and international independent films, many with special guests attending for post screening Q & A's.