Jarkko and Deaf America

TV-G | Documentary | 1 season | 5 episodes

Finnish Jarkko Keränen travels to America in search of opportunities for those who, like him, were born deaf. From Rochester to Washington, Atlanta, Austin, and San Francisco, he meets with deaf people who have thrived in their communities.

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Season 1

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Episode 1

Jarkko Does Rochester

In the first episode, Jarkko travels to Rochester, New York, which has a large deaf community thanks to innovations at the University of Rochester. He meets with a pilot and a doctor - both of whom happen to be deaf.

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Episode 2

Jarkko Does Atlanta

Jarkko visits Atlanta where he finds a stark divide in the way black deaf people are treated compared to their white counterparts -- and discovers a sign language dialect. He meets a woman who aids those struggling with drug and alcohol problems.

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Episode 3

Jarkko Does Washington D.C.

Jarkko heads to America’s capital and visits Gallaudet, the world’s only sign language university. He speaks to the students and learns about the culture of the school. Jarkko also meets a deaf human rights activist, a police officer and a teacher.

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Episode 4

Jarkko Does Austin

In Austin, Texas, Jarkko takes a risk when he faces off against the winner of the Austin Open Champions Fight tournament. He meets a vlogger known as “Deaf Ninja” and dines at some of Austin’s best restaurants.

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Episode 5

Jarkko Does San Francisco

In San Francisco, Jarkko visits landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and Haight Ashbury. In Silicon Valley, he meets a deaf man who works at a software company. He visits a pizzeria which is owned and operated by a deaf couple.

Credits

Director: Päivi-Pauliina Väntönen
Producer: Jutta Tuomaala, Eero Hietala, Ilkka Hynninen, Hanna Karppinen
Cast: Jarkko Keranen
Cinematographer: Petri Vilén
Animator: Teemu Âke
Editor: Suvi Ryhänen
Creator: Salla Lähteenmäki, Päivi-Pauliina Väntönen
Writer: Salla Lähteenmäki