Deaffest - Deaf Film & Television Festival Wolverhampton November 30, 2006

The Deaf Film and Television Festival takes place again in Wolverhampton after a break last year. From Friday 1 – Sunday 3 December, there will be a packed programme of films, panel
discussions, networking opportunities and social events. As in previous years, the festival is being held again at Light House in the centre of the City of Wolverhampton. And, as before, all events and screenings will be FREE.

Highlights of this year's Festival include the special celebration of 25 years of BBC See Hear; The John Smith Show, featuring comedian

John Smith; a special signed screening for all the family on the Sunday afternoon; world Deaf cinema; open submissions; launch of a new Film bursary scheme; opening reception and late night parties.

Nikki Stratton, Festival Coordinator comments: 'There is still time to get films and TV programmes into the Festival. If you have any material you would like to submit, or know anyone else who has, please e-mail us on [email protected] or go to the Festival's dedicated website www.deaffest.co.uk

where you will find all the information you need.'

The website will also give up to the minute information on Deaffest,
Wolverhampton 2006.

The Festival gratefully acknowledges financial support from Screen West Midlands and UK Film Council Lottery fund and Wolverhampton City Council. It is being organised jointly by Light House, The University of Wolverhampton and Zebra-Uno Ltd. The Festival is also actively seeking sponsorship; to date Ac2.com has agreed to support the Festival. New sponsors will be acknowledged as support is confirmed.

HISTORY OF DEAF FILM FESTIVALS IN WOLVERHAMPTON

Between 1998 and 2004, eight Deaf Film and Television Festivals were held annually at Light House, organised jointly with the British Deaf Association, the University of Wolverhampton, Light House and Channel Four Television over four of those years. There had been two previous Deaf Film and TV Festival held in 1994 and 1996 in Newcastle upon Tyne and Cardiff respectively. A tenth Festival was planned for Wolverhampton in 2005 but this had to be cancelled at late notice.

Early in 2006, a new steering group was formed to ensure that the Festival would again become an annual event, and be Deaf-led with Zebra-Uno on board. The British Deaf Association (BDA) initially joined the steering group but has resigned its place. Since the announcement of the Wolverhampton Festival, the BDA has launched a Deaf Arts and Film Festival to be held in London in January.

Official Website: http://www.deaffest.co.uk