Deaffest

Held in Reims, France from 2–5 July 2026, the 12th edition of Festival Clin d’Oeil once again brought together Deaf artists, filmmakers and creatives from around the world for an international celebration of sign language, arts and culture.

Throughout the festival, Nikki and Lou immersed themselves in a diverse programme spanning theatre performances, the Film Awards Ceremony at La Comédie, industry presentations at Stade Auguste-Delaune and live performances in the Village. It was also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces from previous Deaffest editions while meeting a new generation of Deaf creatives and collaborators from across the globe.

One of the festival highlights was Nikki Stratton’s invited presentation, ‘Taking Deaf Creatives’ Films to the Next Level’, delivered in International Sign. Drawing on her extensive experience as Festival Director of Deaffest, Nikki shared her perspective on what helps Deaf films reach wider audiences and succeed on the international stage.

A key theme of the presentation encouraged Deaf storytellers to embrace visual thinking from the very beginning. Rather than feeling constrained by written scripts, Nikki suggested that creators whose first language is sign language could develop their ideas directly in sign on video, allowing stories to emerge naturally in their most visual form before collaborating with experienced Deaf scriptwriters to adapt them into written screenplays.

Nikki also challenged filmmakers to think more creatively about how sign language is captured on screen. Rather than relying on subtitles or framing that limits the visibility of signing, she encouraged directors and cinematographers to explore visual storytelling that celebrates sign language through thoughtful composition, movement and camera angles – allowing stories to be told through sign language itself.

Nikki also encouraged filmmakers to broaden the stories being told. While films centred on Deaf experiences and everyday barriers remain important, she challenged creatives to look beyond familiar narratives. Deaf-led stories can embrace every genre, such as comedy, while naturally reflecting Deaf culture and signed languages. By expanding the scope of these stories, Deaf cinema can continue to surprise, entertain, inspire and even shock audiences worldwide.

We’re delighted to share a short video featuring highlights from Nikki’s presentation and memorable moments at Festival Clin d’Oeil 2026.

For the 2026 BIFA Awards, Deaffest is listed as a qualifying festival for both British Features and British Shorts (Section A).

If your film screened at Deaffest 2026 (8–10 May), that screening may satisfy the festival qualification requirement for BIFA eligibility, provided your film also meets all other applicable BIFA eligibility requirements for the relevant award category.

We’re proud that Deaffest continues to support filmmakers and creatives by providing a recognised platform that can support eligible British films on their journey towards BIFA consideration.

Find out more about BIFA eligibility and the upcoming deadlines. You can view the full list of qualifying festivals here.

The evening continued with screenings including ‘Le Fobie del Guardrail’ by Marco Capelacci, a selection of international competition shorts, an out-of-competition late-night screening, and an opening party.

Attendees then took part in Ritmi Visivi (Visual Rhythms): Cinema Through Deaf Art, an interactive workshop led by Fabio Zamparo, Anna Chiara Carlet, and Nicola Savoldi, exploring cinema through movement, rhythm, and Deaf visual culture.

Meanwhile, Nikki joined fellow International Competition Jury members Daniele Le Rose and Nicola Della Maggiora to deliberate on the festival’s award selections.

The evening returned to the Auditorium Cesare de Michelis for further screenings and a discussion led by Fabio Zamparo, during which jury members reflected on Deaf cinema today and its future. The Awards Ceremony followed, where the juries shared the perspectives and criteria behind their decisions.

Congratulations to the award winners:

Ritmi Visivi Award: ‘Glass Cage’ – Directed by Jules Dameron

Mention Award: ‘The Deliverance’ – Directed by Bim Ajadi

Audience Award: ‘The Power of Goodbye’ – Directed by Audrey Sangla

The evening concluded with a humorous performance by Maurizio Scarpa (Pallina Rossa), followed by networking and celebrations in the courtyard of Ca’ di Mat.

Sunday saw a further programme of screenings and events, including The Online Roundtable: International Deaf Cinema Manifesto.

Led by filmmaker and founder of Angry Deaf People Productions, Charlie Ainsworth, who authored the manifesto, the discussion brought together Deaf filmmakers and industry professionals to explore the future of Deaf cinema and its visibility within the wider film industry. Participants gathered in the Sala Orizzonti, while others, including Deaffest Co-Founder & Festival Director Marilyn Willrich, joined remotely.

The roundtable provided a rich and thought-provoking discussion around the creation of a shared manifesto for film festivals and industry professionals. The manifesto advocates for Deaf people to have greater control over how Deaf stories are told in cinema and seeks to strengthen Deaf-led representation across the industry. Find out more about the manifesto here.

A huge thank you to the Itinerant Deaf Cinema Festival, and especially Artistic Co-Directors Fabio Zamparo and Anna Chiara Carlet, for inviting Nikki and Lou to be part of such an inspiring and valuable weekend. The festival created space for meaningful exchange across Deaf cinema, bringing together filmmakers and practitioners to share practice, perspectives, and emerging ideas. Deaffest looks forward to continuing to support collaboration internationally!

Check out the video for highlights from the weekend.