Review: My Brother is Deaf
by Karen Pecota

Peter Hoffman Kimball, USA 2022

Filmmaker Peter Hoffman Kimball writes and directs his latest short film MY BROTHER IS DEAF. Hoffman interviews two young brothers in a hearing family who welcome their new baby brother, Bennett. The family discovers that Bennett is deaf. The boys are very close in age spanning just a few years apart.

How the family seeks to understand why Bennett can't hear like the rest of the family is a process, and Bennett's older brother, Lincoln tells the story.

Part of the process Lincoln shares is that the whole family learns sign language so that they can speak with Bennett and he with them. Bennett is given a cochlear implant (a special computer that goes in the ear). Bennett is introduced to deaf grown-ups because he needs that connection and adds sign teachers to his family circle—one who is hearing and one who is deaf.

Lincoln shares that the family not only seeks to protect Bennett but takes charge in educating the hearing world around them of his brother's disability, which Lincoln feels is not a disability.

Lincoln says, "I'm Bennett's big brother and I want to help him. I want to tell him I love him in sign language and by talking." Lincoln is remarkably insightful for his young age and shares that they will give him every opportunity to communicate in the hearing world but notes, "If Bennett chooses to only sign, then we have to be ready for his choice."

Tears will not escape your face viewing Kimball's touching account told from the heart and mind of a child. It is remarkable storytelling and a testament of the impact when one goes the extra mile choosing to love unconditionally.