Hasna Mufidah, affectionately known as Mufi, is a 33-year-old deaf actor, director, and activist from Indonesia. With a profound passion for the arts and advocacy, Mufi uses her creative expressions to elevate the visibility of deaf culture and promote inclusivity. Her work spans theater, music, film, and social campaigns, all with a singular goal: to achieve equality for the Deaf and hearing communities.

“Art is our way of communicating what words cannot,” says Mufi, emphasizing the transformative power of creative expression in bridging gaps between the Deaf and hearing worlds.

Mufi is the founder of Fantasi Tuli, an organization she established in 2019 to empower the Deaf community through the arts. She has not only acted in several short films but also directed productions aimed at shedding light on the unique experiences of Deaf individuals. One of her notable projects, Senandung Senyap, was an inclusive musical theater performance exploring 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.

Advocacy Through Art

Mufi’s advocacy extends beyond the stage. She collaborates with musicians to create performances integrating 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.