Austin Film Festival Documentary Review: ‘Deaf Santa Claus’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Charles William Graves in Anthony Mowl and Ben Shelton’s DEAF SANTA CLAUS. (Photo Courtesy of Michael Samaripa.)

When we think of Santa Claus, or Ol’ Saint Nick, if you prefer… specific imagery comes into our minds. Wherein we see… one jolly man. One who is heavyset and wearing that big red suit, trimmed with white fluff and white gloves, and of course he is wearing his red hat with a white ball, and his cheeks and nose are rosy from the cold air of the night, and his beard is white as snow and his laugh is nothing short of a bellow. Because that is… the quintessential image of Santa Claus. One that has been passed down from generation to generation, to the point where that’s even how every Mall Santa looks in the everyday world during the holiday season.
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If anything, this visage is so engrained in our minds that no one ever thinks twice about it or is eager to see it change… but perhaps we should. Simply because in 2024, it is quickly becoming apparent that a great deal of the things we celebrate and put on display, don’t represent everyone, and that is important. Because everyone in this life deserves to be seen and deserves to feel as though they belong and having a predominantly white character to shepherd the holiday season… isn’t conducive to that. Especially since the holiday season is for everyone. But there are individuals out there, trying to change that, and make the season more inclusive, as evidenced by the incredible documentary that recently debuted at the Austin Film Festival, Deaf Santa Claus.

Which is a story that introduces us to a man named Charles William Graves, who if you saw him on the street, you would instantly think he is Santa Claus. For he has the beard, he has the joy, and he himself speaks to the fact in this story that he would love to be Santa Claus 365 days a year. But alas, in this story, Charles is not. Simply because, Charles is deaf and because of that, there are few opportunities for him to work as a Santa Claus. But when others discover his infectious joy and his ability to inspire others, they rally to his cause and do their best to help him not only live his dream of being Santa Claus, but one that represents a group of individuals we don’t recognize enough.

Which brings forth, a stunning and moving documentary that flat out points out… Santa isn’t for everyone. Yes, he brings presents to all, but he doesn’t represent everyone in the world and that’s problematic. Because it isn’t fair that every child out there has to lock into norms when there are people who are fully capable of letting those kids be themselves and feel seen, and as though they belong, and that is Charles’ mission here and his quest to make the season for all, leads to some real surprises. Such as moments where people outright say, he might not fit in, he might not be able to do this or do that, and that’s shocking. Because Santa isn’t about specific behaviors, he is about bringing joy to children. 

Thankfully though, his desire to be a Santa for others and be an icon and inspiration to make the holidays the warm and welcome environment for everyone it is supposed to be, ends in a manner that does please. How, we won’t spoil. But what we will say, is that it is never easy to be the pioneer, but someone has to stand up and do the right thing and Charles most certainly does here. Which gives rise to a magnificent documentary that truly inspires. For it reminds us of the power of the human spirit, of what it means to feel as though we belong, and those elements, are worth the price of admission to this film, but it offers so much more.

Since it also explores what made Charles this happy, this loving, and his own personal journey is inspirational as well since he overcame so much… to just love people. To just give them hope and smiles and that is really something we don’t see enough of in this world, and we can all take a note from this special man and his massive heart. All of which gives rise to just an incredible story. One that truly does inform us that the old way of doing things is coming to its end. Because men like Charles and others, understand now that there is a place for everyone in this world. Regardless of the season, and the time has come for everyone to be seen and feel as though they belong, because truly… they do.

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