Written by Kamal L. Wyatt
I arrived a bit late, but had plenty of time to see a room full. A beautiful crowd, overwhelmed by urban glamour and professional elegance. Of course I’m talking about the October 22nd 2025 film premiere for Gregory Smith’s presentation to A Beautiful Voice. As I began chatting with one of the attendees, a young lady approached our section. She must have recognized me from my YouTube channel, I can dream right. She introduced herself as the Chapter leader for the Dallas division for the NSA (National Stuttering Association) Ashley Todd. Ashley told us that films like A Beautiful Voice are super important because most people have no idea about stuttering and more importantly how to respond to someone who has a stutter. She said her personal issue is when people tell her to “slow down”, she says stuttering has nothing to do with the speed that one is talking, yet, it’s a neurological glitch that causes the stutter. We all agreed that education is what everyone can use.
Gregory personally has been to NSA chapter meetings several times promoting the film at first, then as a student of the subject himself. When asked, Gregory admitted he plans on being a life long partner with the NSA, also hoping to include characters in future film projects. “One of the challenges to writing a character that stutters is to do it without making it comical, or something to be sympathetic too. A character that organically fits in the story without laughter or tears, this is a challenge I am ready to take on”
Ashley was not the only NSA chapter leader at the film premiere, there were many others. In fact, I’d say that half the attendees were members from NSA. I read that one of the supporting cast members, David Alpuche, had written on his Facebook, how “uncomfortable” he felt knowing that people were watching him stutter on the big screen. How I see it, David being uncomfortable is just as much our (Society) responsibility as it is for himself to feel comfortable in his own voice. Society, in person or masked by the vail of social media can be mean, let’s be honest. Men who could never be replicated as a Ken doll, or women who could never win Miss Universe will hide themselves behind their keyboard to laugh and poke fun at other people that they’ve never met.
Well this film and premiere proves we no longer care about the trolls, no longer sensitive living in the dark, and instead, we, the marginalized are outside. Just like the lead character in the film. Sivan was able to break free from those invisible chains and feel absolutely free to speak out in her beautiful voice.
