Get ready for some clown chaos, playful visual storytelling, and circus fun at Deaffest 2026!
Meet the Deaf clownettes Jennifer Manning (Canada) and Anabela Canica (France), stepping into the ring with UK circus artist Terry Brand to bring you something truly special – watch their video here!
Together, they are the Cirque Trio – ready to entertain, teach, laugh, and play their way into your hearts. Expect laughter, movement, visual storytelling, and plenty of circus magic as they lead an exciting workshop:
10:00am – 3:00pm: Play in Motion with The Cirque Trio
Courtyard, University of Wolverhampton
Suitable for ages 3 and over.
Move. Clown. Spin. Laugh. The Cirque Trio bring together imaginative circus skills, playful clowning and expressive movement in a vibrant circus experience. This dynamic, hands-on workshop invites participants to experiment with new skills, stretch their creativity and build confidence.
Plus, don’t miss Jennifer and Anabela’s show!
12:00pm – 12:15pm: CONEXIONIS
Courtyard, University of Wolverhampton
Suitable for all ages and families
A fully visual clown performance by Jennifer and Anabela. It tells the story of two clownettes – a fairy and an elf. As the fairy practices casting spells on the elf, the audience is treated to a rich display of emotions through engaging and expressive visual storytelling.
Deafblind audience members will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the performers before the performance.
Anabela Canica is a Deaf actress and clown specialising in French Sign Language and iconic language. Trained at the University of Visual and Performing Arts in Toulouse, she creates and performs shows that blend poetry, clowning, and visual theatre. She collaborates with companies such as ACT’S and Danse des Signes, and leads mime and body expression workshops for children. Her practice explores the body, gesture, and play, at the crossroads of theatre, clowning, and visual performance.
Jennifer Manning is a Deaf multidisciplinary artist from Québec, working across theatre, visual arts, and performance. Her practice is rooted in physical expression and visual storytelling. After relaunching her career in 2018, she has been active in both Canadian and international artistic spaces. She advocates for accessibility and inclusive arts, creating work that bridges Deaf and hearing worlds.
Terry Brand is a Deaf circus skills practitioner and workshop leader, delivering dynamic, inclusive sessions for young people in a variety of settings, including schools and festivals. His workshops build confidence and coordination through poi spinning, juggling, plate spinning, and more – creating a supportive space where everyone can succeed, have fun, and discover new talents.
Deaffest is committed to supporting creativity, innovation, and accessibility within the filmmaking community. As part of Deaffest 2026 promotional campaign, we carried out a small creative exploration using AI-assisted tools to better understand how emerging technologies may work and benefit traditional trailer production.
This exploration reflects our interest in understanding how new tools might support filmmakers, particularly those with limited budgets or resources when creating their own film. At the same time, Deaffest remains committed to fairness, transparency, and ensuring that opportunities within the festival remain inclusive and balanced for all filmmakers.
We believe it is important for festivals to stay aware of developments in the creative industry so that we can continue supporting our community and avoid unintentionally limiting opportunities for filmmakers who choose to use new technologies responsibly. Deaffest is currently following the ongoing industry conversation around the use of AI in the screen sector.
All cast members participated in the project and provided consent for the use of this likeness. This promo was created by a team of humans, with a little help from emerging creative tools.
Huge thanks to Seb Cunliffe for creating this amazing Deaffest 2026 promo!
Meet VinzSlam – straight outta Toulouse, France 🇫🇷
Click here to watch his video.
VinzSlam, a sign song artist, flips beats into motion through French Sign Language (LSF) and International Sign.
From original sign songs to interpreting tracks by major US and French artists, he’s all about that vibe:
➟ rhythm you can see
➟ emotion you can feel
➟ stories told loud
Festival stages? Yeah, he’s owned plenty. Cultural scenes? He lights them up – always bringing high-energy, inclusive performances.
At Deaffest 2026 – expect a mix of original work and dynamic interpretations – full-on visual shows.
Catch him at the Launch Night on 8 May, and at the Film & TV Awards Gala and Late-Night Party on 9 May. Ticket required – get yours here!
Want to know more about the process? Join VinzSlam’s workshop with DJ Nico – where he breaks down how music is translated into sign (Pre-booking required)
Deaffest 