Deaffest returns with a packed programme of premiere screenings and seminars

Deaffest, the UK’s only Deaf-led Film and Television Festival which celebrates the talents of Deaf filmmakers and media artists, returns on Friday 28 to Sunday 30 November at Light House Media Centre for its tenth year in Wolverhampton.

Earlier this year, the festival was awarded funding from the UK Film Council for its development over the next three years with the aim for it to be the pre-eminent annual festival in the UK celebrating world-wide Deaf media production and showcasing it to both Deaf and hearing audiences.

This year’s festival will feature a new conference element - Opening Doors to New Channels - which will look at how Deaf filmmakers can successfully pitch for their own short or feature film and planning for a new Deaf TV channel.

This will be alongside screenings of films produced by UK and International Deaf filmmakers including premiere screenings, Young Deaffest (showcasing work produced by talented young Deaf filmmakers), archive films looking at how Deaf people have been presented historically in film, and a free subtitled screening of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures.

Three films - The Seashell Hotel, Murder at the Manor and Lil Red - made by deaf teenagers on Northern Ireland as part of an annual NDCS Summer Film Project, will also be shown. The screenings take place beween 2pm and 5pm on 28 November 2008.

Throughout the festival, BSL interpreters will be present including Sign over and Voice over, Relay, International and Deaf/Blind Interpreters.Admission to the festival is free except for the Saturday night Gala Evening which costs £12.50 for a ticket. 

For further info about the festival contact Light House on 01902 716055, email deaffest@light-house.co.uk or visit the Deaffest website for the complete programme.