My name is Saving, and I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with filmmaker Don-Dimitri Joseph on a short film called Heart to See, which tells the story of a visually impaired young man who wants to meet his estranged father before he loses his vision completely.
Don describes the movie as “A love letter to all the individuals that dreamed of meeting their parent for the first time.” It explores the dynamics between family, and wanting to receive something that may be out of touch.
My role in Heart to See
Don reached out to me for insight on how a person with sight loss navigates daily life.
I am originally from Cambodia. I came to the United States in 1979 at the age of 7, fleeing the Khmer Rouge regime. In 2013, I lost my vision due to diabetic retinopathy.
In 2016, along with five others who also experience vision loss, I co-founded the Visually Impaired Blind Society (VIBS), a non-profit organization for which I currently serve as president.
Don and I met at my home, where I demonstrated how to use a white cane for mobility and shared tips on moving around safely. I also explained some of the challenges faced by people with vision loss.
During this process, Don kindly offered me a small role in the film, which I was thrilled to accept. Although I was nervous, having never acted before, I memorized my lines and participated in the birthday scene. The experience was exciting and educational, as I learned how much effort goes into making a movie.
I’m grateful for the chance to share my experiences and help bring authenticity to the film. I believe it was a valuable learning moment for both Don and me.
I hope everyone will take the time to watch Heart to See, as I truly believe it will be a wonderful film.
About the author
Saving Ven is a disability advocate based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the co-founder and president of the Visually Impaired Blind Society (VIBS). You can learn more about VIBS on Facebook and YouTube and connect with Saving on LinkedIn.
About Heart to See
Heart to See is a love letter to all the individuals that dreamed of meeting their parent for the first time.
On his 30th birthday, a Pandora’s box is opened for Zach when his Aunt Jillian mentions to his mother, Carolyn that he looks like his father. The only thing is, Zach is losing his vision and hasn’t ever met his father – and his wish is to meet him before he goes blind.
Heart To See is about the dynamics between family and wanting to receive something that may be out of touch.
The story is told through the lens of a captivating emotional slice of life journey. The essence of this film will be lyrical and poetic.
Writer and director Don-Dmitri Joseph believes this story needs to be told because there is a beauty in connection, connecting to someone that you also may not completely understand or connecting to someone whose experience is completely different than yours. The film explores themes that revolve around a father not being present in his son’s life while showcasing visual impairment through the lens of the main character and the cinematography of the film.
The filmmakers and creatives involved in Heart to See are alumni of some of the best film festivals in the world and bring extensive knowledge to the project.
To learn more, follow Heart to See on Instagram.
