SHEENA: For many years, there was much talk about wanting to set up something similar as Deaf Women in Film. Here came along you. What was the ah-ha moment that caused the birth of DWIF?

JULES: Really… I’ve been actively involved with filming and directing. So, I want to learn everything I could plus I’m involved with the Deaf community and have a completely different perspective. I was friends with Wayne Betts, Ryan Commerson, and Daniel LeRose. A group of males, deaf film makers. I did not noticed until later on, I realized it was all male. I tended to work with them and thought to myself, “Why? Why am I the only woman?” At first, it did not matter and I adapted to that. But then, later on I realized I was adapting. Why did I do that? I told myself, “Be yourself.” Yes, I did have a different perspective than them. I am not saying they are all exactly the same, but they had a certain pulse and unity that I felt out of place. So, that being said…that is how it began to surface. At the same time, I admit I am a new born feminist. Well, I am being honest, straight forward only because for a long time, I pushed the women aside. I admit that I’ve discriminated women – not outwardly, but felt naturally pushing them aside. I thought about being professional – I want that and want to do a good job as well getting into film. Because I could not help that the fact many did not have the real qualifications nor strong resume, background until one day I realized I was being discriminatory, sexist. One day, I decided to open my mind and one day decided to study how many deaf women out there… how many are out there actually in the field of film making? I researched, researched. Typed up on DWIF blogspot – it was just for construction. It was to add who I knew and building the list. The list kept getting longer. The list was only big to begin with. Alright, that is not bad – they are all professionals. Why discriminate in the first place? The other problem I saw was that the deaf community – we are not born together. We are born scattered. So, how do we find each other? No one ever registered a Deaf person. No formal list of Deaf people. How do we find each other? Deaf clubs, ongoing gatherings, and that, is the key. So, DWIF is one main source to start with. It is not a formal organization, but a group.

SHEENA: Since the establishment of DWIF, what changes or improvements have you seen thus far?

JULES: I still struggle with that because did it really changed? Or did I just simply put in a new perspective? Because things do happen frequently, but this is the first time I picked different information and put all in one list. But I think its really spreading a lot of awareness, positive mentality. That was my goal, too. Because many of us feel they have to compete against each other. I’m against that. Why are we competing AGAINST each other? Ultimately, everyone should know to compete against yourself. But this is something we all need to support each other – we have to because how else can we make more work of ourselves and actually spreading awareness – the mentality out there. There are many of us and that’s my goal.

SHEENA: It seems that you have so many ideas all over the place. Now, what is your next goal? Conference? Retreat? Something out of the box?

JULES: There are too many ideas. I decided to calm down just a little bit and focus on promoting. Yes, I’ve been bubbling up the possibility of having a DWIF conference. Funny you mentioned that as someone actually brought up the idea of DWIF conference. I was like, oh yeah. I like that idea. Understand that it is not just for Deaf women, but a way to exchange, network with each other. Yes, that is one big idea coming up.

SHEENA: Out of all the twenty Deaf women, who do you admire the most?

JULES: I honestly admire all of them. Wow! I am happy you are doing the Pearls thing because really, it turned out I found out more new information about them. I feel like this is something that should happen more often. Anyways, who I admire the most? I naturally would chose the ones that are in the film industry. I admire two – really three. Rosa Lee, of course, Marlee Matlin, and Amy Edwards. Because really, Amy I feel the most related to. Because I am blown away by her and like that she is a professional is trying to be a professional in the industry no matter what. I’m like yes! That’s just me. Same goals.

SHEENA: What does the word “Pearl” mean to you?

JULES: A pearl…I admit it does not hold much meaning to me. While I was growing up, I pictured a pearl meaning a 1950s woman, a housewife wearing a strand of pearls necklace. You know that? But I do know from such stories like “The Pearl”. You know? Or “The Black Pearl.” You have to dive deeply in the ocean to find a calm that has a pearl being built for many years. Finally, to find that is so so rare. A big achievement. To me, a pearl is hard work finally achieved.

SHEENA: Should there be a second time around for The Pearls, if you had the opportunity to nominate one Deaf woman who would you pick?

JULES: Off the top of my head, I was thinking of Elise Whitworth. She was involved with her own graphic design and website design called HTML Addicts. It changed to Satayda. Right now, she is trying to set up “VAME”, an awards show. Its a big thing and hope you watch for it.