Flashback to the Academy Awards 2021 and the nominations for Best Supporting Actor. Troy Kotsur won for his role in "Coda" (2021) and called his father his "hero" in his acceptance speech. For those that missed it, his speech and his win was remarkable because he is only the second deaf actor to win an Oscar and he gave his speech in ASL.
Now director Sean Schiavolin and Emergent Order Foundation, an independent, non-profit studio, have teamed up to tell the story behind the man that Kotsur referred to as his hero. It's both uplifting and heartbreaking as we see how a family can come together in the face of adversity and recover from a devastating tragedy.
In an era where differently abled children faced limited educational opportunities, Kotsur's father made sure his son never felt constrained because he was deaf. As chief of police for Mesa, Arizona, he routinely flashed his patrol car lights as he pulled into his driveway to let Troy know he was home. It's little details like this which show the intense bond between the two and make this short documentary so inspiring.
Also, letting Troy Kotsur tell his story in his own words shows how charming and down to earth he is. He recounts his highs and lows in his career as well as the shock of how his father was stricken with a horrible accident in a warm and genuine way. "To My Father" is a loving tribute and a feel-good film in a way that isn't by the numbers or clichéd. My hat's off to Mr. Kotsur for his winning performance and for being a loving son. It's really nice when the good guys win.
Now director Sean Schiavolin and Emergent Order Foundation, an independent, non-profit studio, have teamed up to tell the story behind the man that Kotsur referred to as his hero. It's both uplifting and heartbreaking as we see how a family can come together in the face of adversity and recover from a devastating tragedy.
In an era where differently abled children faced limited educational opportunities, Kotsur's father made sure his son never felt constrained because he was deaf. As chief of police for Mesa, Arizona, he routinely flashed his patrol car lights as he pulled into his driveway to let Troy know he was home. It's little details like this which show the intense bond between the two and make this short documentary so inspiring.
Also, letting Troy Kotsur tell his story in his own words shows how charming and down to earth he is. He recounts his highs and lows in his career as well as the shock of how his father was stricken with a horrible accident in a warm and genuine way. "To My Father" is a loving tribute and a feel-good film in a way that isn't by the numbers or clichéd. My hat's off to Mr. Kotsur for his winning performance and for being a loving son. It's really nice when the good guys win.
