Hasna Mufidah: Championing Deaf Culture Through Art and Activism
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Loading... - Akira Tanaka
- 10 Dec 2024
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Hasna Mufidah, affectionately known as Mufi, is a 33-year-old deaf actor, director, and activist from Indonesia who is making a profound impact in promoting Deaf culture and inclusivity through her creative expressions. With a passion for the arts and advocacy, Mufi uses her talents to bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities, striving for equality and understanding.
Mufi is the founder of Fantasi Tuli, an organization she established in 2019 to empower the Deaf community through the arts. She has acted in several short films and directed productions that shed light on the unique experiences of Deaf individuals. One of her notable projects, Senandung Senyap, was an inclusive musical theater performance that explored themes of artistic critique and the struggles faced by Deaf individuals in Indonesia.
This production delves into personal stories, including Mufi's own experiences of being forced to conform to oral communication methods in school while being prohibited from using sign language. Such narratives reveal the systemic barriers Deaf individuals face and emphasize the importance of Bahasa Isyarat Indonesia (BISINDO) as a native and preferred communication method over SIBI, a government-endorsed sign system often criticized for causing miscommunication within the Deaf community.
Mufi's advocacy extends beyond the stage. She collaborates with musicians to create performances that integrate sign language, making music accessible to Deaf audiences. For instance, her song Power highlights equality between Deaf and hearing people. With lyrics like "You hear, I feel; we are equal," Mufi emphasizes the strength and pride of the Deaf community while fostering a deeper understanding of Deaf identity and culture.
Her activism also tackles gender inclusivity and violence against Deaf women. Mufi has witnessed and heard stories of Deaf women being marginalized or subjected to abuse due to communication barriers. Through her art and advocacy, she amplifies their voices, ensuring their stories are told, and their rights are protected.
Born deaf, Mufi's journey has been one of perseverance and self-discovery. Diagnosed as Deaf at six months old, she navigated an education system that often failed to accommodate her needs. Despite these challenges, she excelled academically, learning multiple languages, including English, German, and Arabic.
Her artistic journey took a transformative turn in 2017 when she participated in an inclusive dance training program supported by the British Council. Guided by her mentor, Mirjam, Mufi began to embrace her Deaf identity more fully. This experience inspired her to combine her love for the arts with her passion for advocacy, culminating in the creation of Fantasi Tuli.
Mufi's dedication to her craft and community serves as an inspiration to others. Through her work, she hopes to empower Deaf youth to embrace their identity, pursue their passions, and build a more inclusive society.
"We are not disabled," Mufi often emphasizes. "It is the environment that disables us." Her message resonates not only within the Deaf community but also with anyone striving for equality and understanding in a diverse world.
Mufi's artistry and activism are a testament to the power of resilience and creativity in driving social change. Through her work, she continues to shine a spotlight on the Deaf community, challenging societal norms and fostering a world where differences are celebrated.
"The eyes are our gateway to hearing; the hands, our eloquence in speech," says Mufi. Her words serve as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the need to break down barriers that prevent Deaf individuals from fully participating in society.
