{{short description|American actor}} {{Infobox person | name = Emilio Insolera | image = Emilio Insolera Cannes.jpg | caption = Insolera at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival | occupation = {{Flatlist| * Actor * director * producer }} | website = {{plainlist| * [http://emilioinsolera.com emilioinsolera.com] }} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|1|29|df=y}} | birth_place = Buenos Aires | partner = Carola Insolera | children = 2 | alma_mater = Gallaudet University; Sapienza University of Rome }}
'''Emilio Insolera''' (born 29 January 1979) is a deaf actor and producer, known for ''Sign Gene: The First Deaf Superheroes'' (2017).<ref name="backstage interview">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211209/Claf_2B2lJc Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20160310214444/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Claf_2B2lJc Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Claf_2B2lJc| title = 'Sign Gene' Emilio Insolera Interview | website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In 2022, Insolera had a role in Simon Kinberg's ''The 355''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-355-simon-kinberg-femme-action-ensemble-heads-to-mlk-weekend-2022-1234620498/|title=''The 355'': Simon Kinberg Femme Action Ensemble Going Earlier In 2022|date=May 5, 2021|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=January 9, 2022|archive-date=May 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509025547/https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-355-simon-kinberg-femme-action-ensemble-heads-to-mlk-weekend-2022-1234620498/|url-status=live}}</ref> Between 2022 and 2025, Insolera collaborated on feature films for Universal Pictures, Disney, Paramount Pictures and, most recently, Netflix and 20th Century Studios alongside director Ridley Scott.
==Early life and education== Emilio Insolera was born on 29 January 1979 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, into an Italian Deaf family, the youngest son of automotive toolmaker Alfio Insolera and bank employee Maria Cristina Drovetta, and has an older brother, Humberto,<ref name="Avvenire" /> who is also Deaf. Growing up, Insolera developed a keen interest in acting and filmmaking.<ref name="Nació en Argentina y llegó a ser actor en Hollywood">{{cite web |date=9 January 2022 |title=Nació en Argentina y llegó a ser actor en Hollywood: "Los sordos somos simplemente personas que usamos una lengua visual" |url=https://www.infobae.com/salud/2022/01/09/nacio-en-argentina-y-llego-a-ser-actor-en-hollywood-los-sordos-somos-simplemente-personas-que-usamos-una-lengua-visual/ |accessdate=9 January 2022 |website=Infobae |language=Spanish}}</ref>
Following the rampant hyperinflation in 1989, Insolera's family moved back to Italy, first to Sicily later to various cities frequently, eventually setting in Rome. Prior to completing high school, Insolera was awarded the Fulbright and Roberto Wirth scholarship to attend Gallaudet University, in Washington, D.C., the only liberal arts college for the Deaf in the world. There, he earned his bachelor's degree in Film and Sign Language Linguistics. After freelancing for various indie film houses and working for MTV in New York City, he pursued and obtained a master's degree in Mass Communication with summa cum laude honors from the University of Rome La Sapienza.<ref name="oggi interview">{{cite web |title=CINEMA/PERSONAGGI/Ciak, si gira con la lingua dei segni |url=http://www.oggi7.info/node/2327/print/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529002015/http://www.oggi7.info/node/2327/print |archive-date=2015-05-29 |website=www.oggi7.info}}</ref><ref name="storia">{{cite web |title=Storia dei Sordi - di tutto e di tutti circa il mondo della sordità |url=http://www.storiadeisordi.it/articolo.asp?ENTRY_ID=575 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003044531/http://www.storiadeisordi.it/articolo.asp?ENTRY_ID=575 |archivedate=2015-10-03 |accessdate=2015-10-01}}</ref><ref name="cabss">{{Cite web |title=Emilio Insolera - CABSS ONLUS |url=http://www.cabss.it/emilio-insolera.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003222010/http://www.cabss.it/emilio-insolera.html |archive-date=2015-10-03 |access-date=2015-10-01}}</ref> Although sign language{{Which|date=May 2026|reason=Different countries have different sign languages, and this person lived in several countries. Which sign language is his native?}} is his native language, Insolera speaks and reads lips fluently. Currently, he can both speak and sign{{Clarify|reason=It's unclear what does "speak and sign" mean. The word "English" usually refers to a spoken language that has slightly different, but mutually intelligible varieties in England, United States, and several other countries, whereas the sign languages of England and the United States are completely different. The same goes for (spoken) Spanish and Argentinian and Spanish sign languages.|date=May 2026}} in four languages: Spanish, Italian, English and a bit of Japanese.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vlessing |first=Etan |date=2026-05-11 |title=Emilio Insolera Wants More Deaf Actors Heard, Not Just Seen, in Hollywood Movies: “What Stories We Have to Share” |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/feel-my-voice-deaf-actor-emilio-insolera-interview-1236590416/ |access-date=2026-05-12 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Career== [[File:Tim Burton Emilio Insolera.jpg|thumb|Tim Burton and Emilio Insolera in Tokyo]]
Insolera wrote, directed and produced the long feature superhero film ''Sign Gene: The First Deaf Superheroes''. The film, shot between Japan, the US and Italy, centers on deaf superheroes who have the ability to create superhuman powers through the use of sign language.<ref name="NHK Japanese TV Channel">{{Cite web |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/heart-net/rounan/backnumber/2009/05/0503.html |title=制作進むろう者の国際共同制作映画 「Sign Gene」｜ろうを生きる難聴を生きる｜NHK福祉ポータル ハートネット |access-date=2015-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015240/http://www.nhk.or.jp/heart-net/rounan/backnumber/2009/05/0503.html |archive-date=2015-11-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref> "Creatively, it all started with Japan," Insolera tells The Japan Times. "My first impression was that I had stumbled into the future, but as a linguist, I was also instantly fascinated with Japanese and how it has a relationship with sign language. Kanji are usually concepts or ideas and then hiragana acts as a bridge for communication. It's the same with sign language: we use finger spelling (spelling out the alphabet with your hands) between our conceptual signs."<ref name="Deaf filmmaker Emilio Insolera flexes his superpowers with Sign Gene">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2018/11/13/films/deaf-filmmaker-emilio-insolera-flexes-superpowers-sign-gene/|title=Deaf filmmaker Emilio Insolera flexes his superpowers with 'Sign Gene'|last=JT|accessdate=14 June 2022|publisher=Japan Times|date=13 November 2018|language=English}}</ref>
The characters are blessed with arcane powers "like those, when signing with finger guns, hands actually metamorphose into bonafide weapons, replete with spewing fire and all sorts; or where, when signing the word 'close', of being able to make doors close at will."<ref name="father of sign gene">{{cite web|url=http://tokyojournal.com/component/k2/item/743-issue-267-summer-2009-father-of-sign-gene|title=Father of Sign Gene|last=TJ|accessdate=21 March 2017|publisher=Tokyo Journal|date=24 October 2015|language=English}}</ref>
Influenced by films such as Ridley Scott's ''Blade Runner'' (1982) and ''Black Rain'' (1989), as well as the animated 1988 film ''Akira'', Insolera originally planned to make a short film but it garnered such a groundswell of interest with people offering to become involved, that Insolera, upon realizing it had the legs for a shot at the big time, had to rewrite the script into a feature-length.<ref name="kansai scene I">{{Cite web|url=https://www.kansaiscene.com/2009/12/emilio-insolera/|title = Emilio Insolera|date = December 2009}}</ref> The casting came by way of word of mouth: Insolera was especially looking for native signers fluent in sign language.<ref name="cinecittà news">{{Cite web|url=http://news.cinecitta.com/IT/it-it/news/53/42467/15-24-sign-gene-un-film-tutto-da-guardare.aspx|title =Sign Gene, un film tutto da guardare|date =November 2009|accessdate=27 August 2017|language=Italian}}</ref>
The film had its world premiere on 8 September 2017 in Milan, was released in theatres by UCI Cinemas on 14 September 2017,<ref name="UCI Cinemas|Sign Gene">{{cite web|title= UCI Cinemas - Sign Gene|url=https://www.ucicinemas.it/film/2017/sign-gene/|website=UCI Cinemas|accessdate=27 August 2017|language=Italian}}</ref><ref name="Sign Gene UCI">{{cite web|title=UCI Cinemas Sign Gene|url=http://www.advertiser.it/2017072165403/media/film-sign-gene/|website=Ad|accessdate=27 August 2017|language=Italian|archive-date=21 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321152244/https://www.advertiser.it/2017072165403/media/film-sign-gene|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Corriere della Sera">{{cite web|last=Trigari|first=Michela|url=http://www.corriere.it/salute/disabilita/17_settembre_12/sign-gene-cinema-arrivano-supereroi-sordi-mutanti-92d2f6a2-97cb-11e7-8ca4-27e7bbee7bdd.shtml|title=Sign Gene è il nuovo film di supereroi sordi|publisher=Corriere della Sera|date=12 September 2017|language=Italian}}</ref><ref name="Avvenire">{{cite web|url=https://www.avvenire.it/agora/pagine/sordo|title=Quando il super eroe è sordo|publisher=Avvenire|date=10 September 2017|language=Italian}}</ref><ref name="ASVOFF">{{cite web|url=http://ashadedviewonfashion.com/2017/09/10/sign-gene-by-emilio-insolera-arrives-at-cinema/|title=Sign Gene by Emilio Insolera arrives at cinema|publisher=ASVOFF|date=10 September 2017|language=English}}</ref> had its US debut on 13 April 2018<ref name="Los Angeles Times movie openings">{{cite web|author=Crust, Kevin|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-ca-list-0408-movie-openings-20180330-story.html|title=L.A. movie openings, April 13|work=Los Angeles Times|date=8 April 2018|language=English}}</ref> and was released in Japan on 14 September 2018.<ref name="Cinema Today - Sign Gene">{{cite web|author=Kuramoto, Takuya|url=https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0103490|title=ろう者のスーパーヒーロー映画、監督が手話で作品解説！|publisher=Cinema Today|date=19 September 2018|language=Japanese}}</ref> The film was also presented at the Italian Pavilion, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic during the 71st Cannes Film Festival.<ref name="71st Cannes Film Festival">{{cite web|author=|url=https://news.cinecitta.com/IT/it-it/news/53/73300/italian-pavilion-gli-appuntamenti-del-18-maggio.aspx|title=Italian Pavilion, gli appuntamenti del 18 maggio|publisher=Cinecittà|date=17 May 2018|language=Italian}}</ref>
''Sign Gene: The First Deaf Superheroes'' received positive reviews from critics. On Los Angeles Times, Michael Rechtshaffen describes the "fresh, unique filmmaking voice" as a "fast-paced potpourri of stock footage combined with sign-language and stroboscopic action sequences performed by a deaf cast, video effects simulating grainy, scratchy film stock and that aforementioned all-enveloping sound mix, with an end result that proves as wildly inventive as it is empowering".<ref name="LA Times">{{cite web|author=Rechtshaffen, Michael|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-capsule-sign-gene-review-20180412-story.html|title=Inventive 'Sign Gene' chronicles derring-do of first deaf superheroes|work=Los Angeles Times|date=12 April 2018}}</ref> On Avvenire it reads the film "will mostly like to the younger generation accustomed to the rapid and psychedelic language of video games or Japanese cartoons".<ref name="Avvenire"/> Writing for ASVOFF, Giorgia Cantarini says the story is intricate and "very fascinating. The sounds create an unexpected important part, sometimes overwhelming who is watching. All happens very fast and astonishes you with a vibrant energy".<ref name="ASVOFF"/> On Corriere della Sera, Michela Trigari calls Sign Gene a film that uses the science fiction as a medium to capture the imagination and "make visible what is invisible to the eyes".<ref name="Corriere della Sera"/> The film is making waves, and has inspired Elena Pizzuto, an Italian linguist, to declare it "the symbol of activism for the visual community"<ref name="kansai scene">{{cite web|last=Broersen|first=Leonard|url=https://www.kansaiscene.com/2009/12/emilio-insolera/|title=Emilio Insolera. The film director, visual community member and activist is a man on a mission. |date=1 December 2009|publisher=}}</ref> and Paul Dakin, from Hektoen International, an "unlikely cult classic".<ref name=" Sign Gene: the first deaf superhero film">{{cite web|author=Dakin, Paul|url=https://hekint.org/2019/03/18/sign-gene-the-first-deaf-superhero-film/|title=Sign Gene: the first deaf superhero film|date=18 March 2019 |publisher=Hektoen International|accessdate=14 June 2022}}</ref>
In November 2018, Insolera appeared on the cover of Tokyo Weekender taken by worldwide known photographer Leslie Kee<ref name="Insolera Cover on TW">{{cite web|author=Hernon, Matthew|url=https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2018/11/sign-gene-emilio-insolera-on-creating-the-worlds-first-deaf-superhero-film/|title=Sign Gene: Emilio Insolera on Creating the World's First Deaf Superhero Film|publisher=Tokyo Weekender|date=1 November 2018}}</ref><ref name="TW Cover">{{cite web |url=https://www.tokyoweekender.com/weekender-archives/ |title=Weekender Archives :: Tokyo Weekender |website=www.tokyoweekender.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113164534/http://www.tokyoweekender.com/weekender-archives |archive-date=2011-11-13}}</ref> and was featured on the main poster of the same photographer's 20th anniversary photo exhibition "WE ARE LOVE" in Ginza, Tokyo.<ref name="Insolera Main Poster Leslie Kee">{{cite web|url=https://www.museum.or.jp/event/92114?nocache=1|title=We Are Love photographed by LESLIE KEE|publisher=Internet Museum|date=3 November 2018|accessdate=18 August 2022|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref name="Emilio Insolera Leslie Kee">{{cite web|url=https://www.fashionsnap.com/article/2018-10-19/lesliekee-wearelove/#lg=1&slide=3|title=Emilio Insolera Leslie Kee|publisher=Fashion Snap|date=3 November 2018}}</ref>
Starting from January 2019, Insolera collaborates with Striscia la notizia, an Italian satirical television program on the Mediaset controlled Canale 5 on the production of various shows.<ref name="Striscia La Notizia 01">{{cite web |title=Striscia la notizia 01 |url=https://www.striscialanotizia.mediaset.it/video/lingua-dei-segni_44535.shtml |accessdate=3 July 2019 |website=Striscia La Notizia |publisher=Mediaset |language=Italian}}</ref><ref name="Striscia La Notizia 02">{{cite web |title=Striscia La Notizia 02 |url=https://www.striscialanotizia.mediaset.it/video/tutorial-educativo_52801.shtml |accessdate=3 July 2019 |publisher=Mediaset |language=Italian}}</ref><ref name="Striscia La Notizia 03">{{cite web |title=Striscia La Notizia 03 |url=https://www.striscialanotizia.mediaset.it/video/un-cane-speciale_51597.shtml |accessdate=3 July 2019 |publisher=Mediaset |language=Italian}}</ref><ref name="Striscia La Notizia 04">{{cite web |title=Striscia La Notizia 04 |url=https://www.striscialanotizia.mediaset.it/video/convivere-con-la-sordita_51177.shtml |accessdate=3 July 2019 |publisher=Mediaset |language=Italian}}</ref> Striscia la notizia was ranked the most viewed television program of the spring season 2019 by Auditel.<ref name="Auditel">{{cite web |title=The most viewed television program in 2019 |url=http://www.mediaset.it/quimediaset/comunicati/dati-auditel-mediaset-31-gennaio-2019_24445.shtml |accessdate=3 July 2019 |language=Italian}}</ref>
During the same month, Insolera was featured in a full pages fashion story on Vanity Fair Italia with Carola Insolera taken by Rosi Di Stefano.<ref name="Vanity Fair Italia">{{cite web |last1=Pernet |first1=Diane |date=29 January 2019 |title=Emilio & Carola Insolera will be featured in Vanity Fair Italy on January 30 |url=https://ashadedviewonfashion.com/2019/01/29/emilio-insolera-and-carola-insolera-in-vanity-fair-italy-photographed-by-leslie-kee/ |accessdate=31 January 2019 |website=Asvoff}}</ref>
In September 2019, Variety announces that Insolera had joined the Simon Kinberg espionage ''The 355'' alongside Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Diane Kruger, Lupita Nyongo, Bingbing Fan, Edgar Ramirez and Sebastian Stan. The $75 million-budgeted film was released by Universal Pictures in 2022.<ref name="Variety">{{cite web|last1=McNari|first1=Dave|title=Deaf actor Emilio Insolera joins the Simon Kinberg Thriller 355|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/documentary-gay-chorus-deep-south-awards-season-release-1203338079/ |website=Variety|date=16 September 2019|accessdate=20 September 2019}}</ref> Academy Award Winner for Best Actress Jessica Chastain helped Insolera get an audition with Simon Kinberg and he landed the role of Giovanni Lupo, a hacker. The character communicates in American Sign Language (ASL) and "is the type of person who, like many deaf people in real life, was able to reach a very high level on his own. It's not explained in the movie but perhaps thanks to his deafness, Lupo may have had higher communication barriers and isolated himself to connect with technology to a great extent. Technology became his best friend", he commented.<ref name="Nació en Argentina y llegó a ser actor en Hollywood"/>
In 2022, Insolera worked on the English dubbing for Disney's series ''Limbo''<ref>{{Citation |title=Limbo |date=2022-09-28 |type=Drama |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15472974/ |access-date=2024-07-26 |others=Clara Lago, Mike Amigorena, Esteban Pérez |publisher=Pampa Films, Gloriamundi Producciones, Star Original Productions}}</ref> by Gastón Duprat & Mariano Cohn. He voiced a deaf character.
In April 2024, Insolera was featured on the cover of a photo exhibition organized by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Supermagazine. The exhibition featured 30 international celebrities, each showcasing items from different LVMH Maisons. Insolera was dressed in Loro Piana, the Maison assigned to him. The magazine also included photos of his family, all wearing items from the brand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LVMHがダイバーシティ＆インクルージョンでレスリー・キーと協業 「SUPER LVMH」写真展開催（松下久美） - エキスパート |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/articles/4992d9b34a7b6af927c76a4424dc8802f9699038 |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Georgina |date=2024-04-18 |title=Tokyo Exhibition Highlights LVMH Japan's Diversity Efforts |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/media/super-lvmh-art-de-vivre-tokyo-exhibition-leslie-kee-1236320267/ |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref>
In July 2024, Paramount Pictures released ''Here After'', a thriller by Robert Salerno, in which Insolera worked as an ASL consultant.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Here After spiegato da Robert Salerno: Roma, la morte e la vita. L'intervista al regista |url=https://movieplayer.it/articoli/here-after-intervista-film-robert-salerno-spiegazione-trama_33108/ |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=Movieplayer.it |language=it}}</ref>
In June 2025, Insolera took part in an advertising campaign for Tod's, a company specializing in luxury footwear, clothing, and accessories.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK9SGO5ssvZ/ |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref>
In September 2025, Insolera was featured in ''Vogue'' as one of the best-dressed attendees at the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards 2025. The event brought together prominent figures from the international fashion industry and paid tribute to Giorgio Armani, and was highlighted in the feature ''“All the Best Looks from the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards 2025.”'' <ref>{{Cite web |last=Cafolla |first=Anna |date=2025-09-28 |title=All the Best Looks From the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards 2025 |url=https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/cnmi-sustainable-fashion-awards-2025-red-carpet |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref>
Insolera stars in the Netflix film ''Feel My Voice'', directed by Luca Ribuoli. He plays Alessandro Musso,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-31 |title=“Non abbiam bisogno di parole”, la sordità oltre finzioni e stereotipi: su Netflix il debutto da attrice di Sarah Toscano |url=https://www.quotidiano.net/magazine/cinema-serie-tv/non-abbiam-bisogno-di-parole-netflix-sarah-toscano-mbhwrjkt |access-date=2026-03-31 |website=Quotidiano Nazionale |language=it}}</ref> the father of a hearing daughter who dreams of becoming a singer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-05 |title=The Trailer of 'Feel My Voice': The New Film Coming Friday April 3 |url=https://about.netflix.com/en/news/the-trailer-of-feel-my-voice-the-new-film-starring-sarah-toscano-and-serena |archive-date= |access-date=2026-03-11 |website=Netflix}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ciarlante |first=Marianna |date=2026-01-21 |title=Non abbiam bisogno di parole: il nuovo film Netflix |url=https://www.today.it/film-serie-tv/netflix/non-abbiam-bisongo-di-parole-sarah-toscano-quando-esce.html |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=Today |language=it}}</ref> The film, released on April 3, 2026,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-05 |title=Non Abbiam Bisogno di Parole (Feel my Voice) Netflix Release Date, Trailer and Cast |url=https://theviewersperspective.com/2026/03/05/non-abbiam-bisogno-di-parole-netflix-release-date/ |access-date=2026-03-11 |website=theviewersperspective.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcDax7jiSqM |title=Feel My Voice {{!}} Official Trailer {{!}} Netflix |date=2026-03-05 |last=Netflix |access-date=2026-03-11 |via=YouTube}}</ref> is the Italian remake of ''La Famille Bélier'', the acclaimed French film that also inspired the American remake ''CODA'', winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture.
In The Hollywood Reporter, Etan Vlessing writes that for the character of Alessandro Musso, Insolera revisited both earlier films to combine the father’s tenderness from the first version with the coarse language and roughness from the second adaptation. "Alongside those elements, I had to ensure that my character maintained a limited vocabulary, yet was still driven by a strong sense of purpose,” and he also drew on his Italian childhood in rural Sicily for inspiration and direction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vlessing |first=Etan |date=2026-05-11 |title=Emilio Insolera Wants More Deaf Actors Heard, Not Just Seen, in Hollywood Movies: “What Stories We Have to Share” |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/feel-my-voice-deaf-actor-emilio-insolera-interview-1236590416/ |access-date=2026-05-12 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
Emilio Insolera received critical acclaim for his performance. Silvia Levanti of IO Donna emphasizes that Insolera is “the true touch of originality.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Levanti |first=Silvia |date=2026-04-03 |title=Dal successo di CODA a Netflix: cosa funziona (e cosa no) |url=https://www.iodonna.it/spettacoli/tv/2026/04/03/non-abbiamo-bisogno-di-parole-netflix-trama-film-recensione-cast-sarah-toscano/ |access-date=2026-05-12 |website=iO Donna |language=it-IT}}</ref> Marilena Ciarlante of Today singles out Insolera for bringing authenticity and depth to the story. She praises his ability to make the character believable, seamlessly transitioning between comedic and dramatic moments with natural ease.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ciarlante |first=Marianna |date=2026-04-03 |title=Non abbiam bisogno di parole: una sorprendente rivelazione |url=https://www.today.it/film-serie-tv/netflix/non-abbiam-bisogno-di-parole-sarah-toscano-recensione.html |archive-url= |access-date=2026-05-11 |website=Today}}</ref> Meanwhile, Camilla Sernagiotto of SkyTG24 highlights his role as the emotional heart of the family, noting that he portrays the character with remarkable expressive sensitivity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TG24 |first=Sky |date=2026-04-15 |title=Non abbiam bisogno di parole, il cast del film con Sarah Toscano. FOTO |url=https://tg24.sky.it/spettacolo/cinema/2026/04/15/non-abbiam-bisogno-di-parole-cast |access-date=2026-05-11 |website=tg24.sky.it |language=it}}</ref>
The film ranked number one within 24 hours and remained in that position for over two weeks in Europe and South America. it was ranked within the top ten in 46 countries and was the second most-watched title worldwide for the week of 6–12 April. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Italia |first=All Music |date=2026-04-15 |title=Il film con Sarah Toscano era dato per anonimo dopo i primi tre giorni. Una settimana dopo è in Top 10 in 46 paesi. |url=https://www.allmusicitalia.it/news/non-abbiam-bisogno-di-parole-feel-my-voice-netflix-top-10-46-paesi.html |access-date=2026-04-16 |website=All Music Italia |language=it-IT}}</ref>
Insolera has also worked with Ridley Scott on ''The Dog Stars,'' a 20th Century Fox film budgeted at $100 million starring Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and Benedict Wong. The movie is scheduled for release in August 2026.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21285562/fullcredits/ |title=The Dog Stars (2026) - Full cast & crew - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2025-09-29 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref>
==Activism== Insolera partnered with LISMedia and the Mason Perkins Deafness Fund to develop various media resources in sign language. Together with researchers Elena Radutzky and Mauro Mottinelli, he produced the first Italian Sign Language dictionary in digital format, which is now available as an app.<ref name="iTunes apple">{{Cite web|url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dizionario-lis/id917187457|title=Dizionario LIS|website=iTunes|date=8 October 2018 }}</ref><ref name="Imparare la lingua dei segni italiana">{{Cite web|author=Vacca, Ilaria|url=http://www.disabili.com/prodotti/articoli-qprodotti/imparare-la-lingua-dei-segni-con-un-dvd|title = Imparare la Lingua dei Segni Con Un DVD|date = 28 April 2009}}</ref><ref name="Emilio Insolera & LIS dictionary">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vNGzS6S49osC&q=emilio+insolera+dizionario+lis&pg=PA171|title = Grammatica, lessico e dimensioni di variazione nella Lis|isbn = 9788856873139|author1 = A. A. V. V|date = 10 January 2012| publisher=FrancoAngeli }}</ref>
In 2025, Insolera launched the Deaf Movie Database. As Harrison Richlin from IndieWire explains, the DMDb is the world's first platform dedicated to cataloging films, television series, and media content that feature deaf actors, directors as well as professional deaf crews, sign language, and stories centered to deaf culture.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richlin |first=Harrison |date=2025-03-17 |title=Deaf Movie Database Wants to 'Broaden the Horizons of Communication' Through Film and TV |url=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/deaf-movie-database-emilio-insolera-interview-1235104202/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=IndieWire |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Coates |first=Jazz Tangcay,Abigail Lee,Matt Minton,Lauren |date=2025-03-13 |title='The Life of Chuck' Teaser: Tom Hiddleston Leads Apocalyptic Stephen King Adaptation – Film News in Brief |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/film-news-in-brief-march-10-2025-1236333125/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Personal life== thumb|Carola Insolera and Emilio Insolera (2018) He is in relationship with Norwegian model Carola Insolera, whom he met while in Tokyo and has two daughters.<ref name="vous">{{cite web|last1=Andrea|first1=Puha|title=Carola és Emilio Insolera – a siket pár, akitől mindenki sokat tanulhatna|url=http://www.vous.hu/hir/20170212-siket-modell-rendezo-sign-gene-carola-insolera|website=Vous|date=12 February 2017|accessdate=23 February 2017|language=Hungarian}}</ref><ref name="Vanity Fair">{{cite magazine|last1=Valeria|first1=Vantaggi|title=Carola Insolera|url=https://www.vanityfair.it/mybusiness/donne-nel-mondo/2017/05/20/carola-insolera-modella-sorda|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=20 May 2017|accessdate=20 August 2017|language=Italian}}</ref>
==Filmography== ===Film=== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes ! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- | rowspan="2"|2016 | ''180 Berlin'' | Esh | rowspan="2"|Short film | |- | ''The God and The Queen'' | God | <ref name="The God and the Queen">{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOG47DnQe-o|title=The God and the Queen|website=YouTube |date=11 May 2016}}</ref> |- | 2017 | ''Sign Gene: The First Deaf Superheroes'' | Tom Clerc | Also executive producer, writer and director. | <ref name="LA Times"/> |- | 2021 | ''The Deaf Gamers'' | {{n/a|None}} | Director | <ref name="The Deaf Gamers">{{cite web|url= https://dovesmediatv.no/video/443650-the-deaf-gamers|title=The Deaf Gamers|work=Døves Media|date=11 July 2021}}</ref> |- | 2022 | ''The 355'' | Giovanni Lupo | | <ref name="Variety"/> |- | 2024 | ''Here After'' | {{n/a|None}} | Consultant | <ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq7KCqLRlFE |title=Here After - L'Aldilà {{!}} TRAILER UFFICIALE |date=2024-07-11 |last=Paramount Pictures Italia |access-date=2024-07-26 |via=YouTube}}</ref> |- |rowspan="2"|2026 |''Feel My Voice'' |Alessandro Musso | |<ref>{{Cite web|title=Netflix 2026: Elodie, Favino, Zerocalcare e il debutto di Sarah Toscano, tutte le novità|url=https://www.ciakmagazine.it/news/netflix-2026-elodie-favino-zerocalcare-e-il-debutto-di-sarah-toscano-tutte-le-novita/|website=Ciak Magazine|date=2026-01-21|access-date=2026-01-27|language=it-IT|first=Claudia|last=Giampaolo}}</ref> |- |''The Dog Stars'' | |In post-production |<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21285562/fullcredits/ |title=The Dog Stars (2026) - Full cast & crew - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2025-09-29 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> |}
===Television=== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes ! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- | 2017 | ''Sky Sport'' | Himself | SKY | |- | 2018 | ''Rou Wo Ikiru Nanchou Wo Ikiru'' | Himself | NHK | |- | 2018–2023 | ''Striscia la notizia'' | Himself / Recurring guest | Mediaset | <ref name="Striscia La Notizia 01"/> |- | 2022 | ''Limbo'' | {{n/a|None}} | TV series (Special thanks) | |}
===Music video=== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Title ! Artist ! Director ! class="unsortable" | Notes ! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- | 2014 | Santa Fe ''Flash'' | Maria Eva Albistur | | | <ref name="flash with credits">{{Cite web|url=https://vimeo.com/78850471|title = Santa fe . Flash|date = 7 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="flash">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211209/-sH4ASNXE_g Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140123152130/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sH4ASNXE_g Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sH4ASNXE_g| title = Maria Eva - "Flash" | website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |}
==Advertising Campaigns==
* Loro Piana LVMH (2024) * Tod's (2025)
==Commercials==
* Martini (2017) * Green Energy Storage (2017)
==Accolades== Insolera is a Fulbright Scholar, having received one of the most prestigious educational exchange programs globally.
He graduated from University of Rome La Sapienza in Italy with 110 e Lode (summa cum laude), the highest academic distinction for top grades.
Insolera was named Alumni of the Month in 2019 by the US-Italy Fulbright Commission, in recognition of his contributions and impact within the Fulbright community. [https://www.fulbright.it/news/alumni-month-2019-emilio-insolera/]
Insolera's film ''Sign Gene: The First Deaf Superheroes'' was presented at the Italian Pavilion, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, during the 71st Cannes Film Festival. [https://cinecittanews.it/italian-pavilion-gli-appuntamenti-del-18-maggio/]
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Wikiquote}} <!-- per WP:ELMINOFFICIAL, choose one official website only --> * {{Official website}} * {{IMDb name|7353361}}
{{Portal bar|Biography |Film}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Insolera, Emilio}} Category:Deaf film directors Category:Living people Category:Male actors from Buenos Aires Category:Male deaf actors Category:Deaf writers Category:Deaf activists Category:Deaf culture Category:Gallaudet University alumni Category:21st-century Italian male actors Category:Male actors from New York City Category:Italian male film actors Category:American male deaf actors Category:American male film actors Category:21st-century American male actors Category:American deaf people Category:Hispanic and Latino American male actors Category:Hispanic and Latino American actors Category:Italian deaf people Category:1979 births Category:American writers with disabilities