THE MAGIC OF DISNEY: A Tale of a Deaf Trans Actress
As a film director and writer-producer for TV, I have had the pleasure of working with countless talented individuals who have graced the screens with their captivating performances. I can quickly whisk away some astounding moments from my memory on some great showcase of acting chops- from the enchanting National Artist, Nora Aunor (Kabisera, 2015) to the subtle intensity of Alden Richards (Bulawan, 2019). But there is one person who uniquely stands out among the brightest of the stars – Disney Aguila, a wide-eyed woman whose attentive nature captures every moment on set with an enchanting fervor.
Disney is not your ordinary actress. She is a deaf transwoman, a vibrant soul filled with life and brimming with crazy ideas. It is precisely this unique combination of qualities that makes working with her an extraordinary experience. At first, you may wonder how communication will flow seamlessly on set when spoken words cannot be heard. But then, a realization dawns upon you – spoken language is not the only pathway to connection.
I have had the privilege of collaborating with Disney Aguila on two occasions thus far. Our first project together was the film “BakitDi Mo Sabihin,” now streaming on Prime Video. In this project, Disney worked closely with me to translate the original script into Filipino Sign Language—an undertaking that required immense dedication and meticulous attention to detail. Despite the tedious nature of the task, Disney’s commitment to authenticity and inclusivity shone through, adding an extra layer of depth to the film. Through her expressive hand movements and gestures, she breathed life into the story, bridging the gap between the hearing and the deaf communities.
Our second venture, a romance movie titled “Will You Be My Ex,” featured a stellar cast including Julia Barreto and Diego Loyzaga. Among them, Disney Aguila shone brightly, proving that craftsmanship knows no boundaries, no limitations. It struck me then, that it’s not difficult to include talented individuals regardless of their perceived handicaps. It simply requires a willingness to make the necessary accommodations and adjustments, ensuring that everyone feels valued and appreciated within the system and workflow. In doing so, we open doors for unique perspectives and narratives that enrich our cinematic landscape.
What truly sets Disney apart is her ability to break down barriers and foster seamless connections. While she may not hear spoken words, her expressive eyes and gestures speak volumes. She navigates the intricate needlepoint of emotions with grace, drawing audiences into her world. In the process, she challenges conventional norms and perceptions, reminding us that true magic lies in our shared humanity.
At its core, communication transcends the limitations of spoken language, reaching into the profound connections we foster through understanding, empathy, and acceptance. The compelling narrative of Disney Aguila, a deaf transwoman actress, stands as a poignant testament to the enchanting possibilities that unfold when we collectively break free from preconceived boundaries, uniting as a formidable force of storytellers. In the intricate tapestry of her journey, Disney’s story emerges as a guiding light—a beacon of hope and inspiration that underscores the transformative potential inherent in the world of cinema.
Disney’s journey is more than a tale of individual triumphs; it encapsulates the broader power of storytelling to dismantle barriers and cultivate inclusivity. Her narrative serves as a reminder that the true strength of cinema lies in its capacity to embrace the exquisite diversity inherent in every human being. Through Disney’s experiences, a pathway emerges toward a cinematic landscape that is not just more inclusive but also deeply compassionate, where stories transcend linguistic barriers and resonate universally.
Navigating the realm as a deaf transwoman actress, Disney Aguila encounters societal norms that may seek to confine her. Yet, her story stands as a testament to resilience, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to redefine boundaries. Let her journey be a wellspring of inspiration, urging us to recognize the intrinsic power of storytelling. It calls upon us to contribute to a world where prejudices are dismantled, paving the way for a cinematic canvas that reflects the experiences of every individual, regardless of their background.
In celebrating Disney’s narrative, we acknowledge the unique alchemy possessed by cinema—a capability to weave stories that resonate not merely with individual communities but with the shared humanity that unites us all. Her story becomes a call to action, encouraging us to appreciate the transformative potential embedded in storytelling. It urges us to champion narratives that amplify the voices of the unheard, promoting the rich tapestry of human experiences.
Ultimately, the essence of communication transcends mere spoken words; it goes into the profound connections that we cultivate through understanding, empathy, and acceptance. The narrative of Disney Aguila, a deaf transwoman actress, serves as a powerful testament to the enchantment that unfurls when we collectively venture beyond preconceived boundaries, emerging as a united force of storytellers. In the tapestry of her journey, Disney’s story becomes a guiding light, a beacon of hope and inspiration that underscores the transformative potential of cinema.
Disney’s journey is not solely about her individual triumphs; it symbolizes the broader capacity of storytelling to break barriers and foster inclusivity. Her narrative reminds us that the true potency of cinema lies in its ability to embrace the beautiful diversity inherent in all humankind. Through her experiences, Disney illuminates the path toward a more inclusive and compassionate cinematic landscape, where stories transcend linguistic barriers and resonate universally.
As a deaf transwoman actress, Disney Aguila navigates a realm where conventional norms may attempt to confine her, but her story serves as a testament to resilience and the ability to redefine boundaries. Let her journey inspire us to appreciate the inherent power of storytelling in dismantling prejudices and fostering a world where every individual, regardless of background, can see themselves reflected on the cinematic canvas.
In celebrating Disney’s narrative, we acknowledge that cinema possesses a unique alchemy—a capability to weave narratives that resonate not just with individual communities but with the shared humanity that unites us all. Her story calls upon us to recognize the transformative potential of storytelling, urging us to champion narratives that amplify the voices of the unheard and champion the rich tapestry of human experiences.
In essence, Disney Aguila’s journey beckons us to embrace the true magic of cinema—a magic that emanates not just from captivating visuals or spoken dialogue but from the universal language of empathy, understanding, and acceptance. It invites us to become active participants in a collective narrative that celebrates the richness of diversity, making cinema a dynamic force for positive change in the world.
ABOUT THE WRITER – Real S. Florido :
Real is a screenwriter, director, and producer. He is the Chief Creative Officer of CreaZion Studios. After creating and directing shows in GMA 7 for more than 13 years, he focuses on his own creative and production company.
He co-directed Kabisera (2016); produced Iska (2019); created Kamusta Bro The Series (2022); directed and produced, 1ST KO SI 3RD (2014), Bakit Di Mo Sabihin (2022), Pilgrim 500 Years of Catholic Faith in the Philippines (2022); directed Will You Be My Ex (2023); and, All About My Wife (2023).
Editor in Chief Mark Ghosn
Photography by Jai Murcillo
Assisted by Bhads Castor
Styling by Kai Chavez
Hair and Makeup by Elijah Uy
Editorial Assistant – Ristichen
