We Understand Each Other Without Words – The Bélier Family. Film Screening and Meeting with a CODA Person | Deaf Culture Week

What?

What is it like to grow up between two worlds—the world of silence and the world of sound? A screening of the French-Belgian film “We Understand Each Other Without Words: The Bélier Family” will serve as a starting point for a discussion about the experiences of CODA (Children of Deaf Adults), that is, hearing children of Deaf parents. The film tells the story of 16-year-old Paula, the only hearing person in her family, who from a very young age has served as an interpreter and mediator between her parents and the hearing world. When she discovers her talent for singing, she faces a choice between her own dreams and her responsibility to her family.

Following the screening, there will be a discussion with Aleksandra Pyrek, a CODA, a Polish Sign Language interpreter, and the founder of the Pomigam brand. The discussion will provide an opportunity to learn about the daily lives of Deaf people and the experiences of growing up between two cultures and two languages. Participants will also take part in short communication exercises and learn basic signs in Polish Sign Language.

Who?

Aleksandra Pyrek—founder of the Pomigam brand, Polish Sign Language (PJM) interpreter, educator, and trainer. She holds degrees in education and deaf education. As a CODA—a hearing child of Deaf parents—she has navigated the intersection of two worlds since childhood: the Deaf community and the hearing community. She dedicates her educational work to fostering understanding between these communities and raising awareness about Deaf culture and communication accessibility.

For Whom?

The event is primarily aimed at high school students (organized groups from high schools), but it is also open to anyone interested in Deaf culture, education, communication, and accessibility issues. It is an opportunity for those who want to better understand the experiences of CODAs and learn how to build relationships based on openness, empathy, and mutual respect.

Why is it worth it?

The Łódź Multicultural Festival shows that diversity isn’t just about origin or tradition, but also about languages, ways of communicating, and everyday experiences. The story told in the film “The Bélier Family” and the discussion with Aleksandra Pyrek offer a glimpse into the world from the perspective of people living between two cultures—the Deaf and the hearing. This is a unique opportunity to discuss the role of sign language, challenges related to accessibility, and how to build a more open and inclusive society. By combining film with personal testimony and an interactive format, the event encourages reflection on the importance of communication, empathy, and mutual understanding.

Accompanying event. Co-funded by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage as part of the “Linguistic Diversity” grant program of the Institute for Linguistic Diversity of the Republic of Poland.

Availability

The event will take place at the Center for Dialogue in the theater and theater hall, which is equipped with an induction loop. The Center for Dialogue building is accessible to people with mobility impairments. It has wide, non-automatic entrance doors, an accessible restroom, and an elevator. The theater hall is located on the ground floor, has a ramp, and the auditorium includes spaces for people in wheelchairs. In front of the building, there is a large parking lot with marked spaces for people with disabilities. Assistance dogs and guide dogs are welcome both inside the building and in the auditorium. The building is equipped with the ToTuPoint audio navigation system. The entrance to the parking lot is on Wojska Polskiego Street. Nearby bus and tram stops include: Wojska Polskiego/Centrum Dialogu and Wojska Polskiego/Sporna.

Photos: Aleksandra Pyrek, press materials.