I recently had the honour of visiting Shanghai for the “Echoes of Deaf History” event, where I was invited – on behalf of Deaffest – to explore and discuss Deaf narratives and representation in film with local audiences. The experience was truly inspiring, and I feel incredibly grateful to have taken part, especially working alongside the brilliant Garrison Gou and Alice Hu.
This project is supported by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture Grant – part of their diversity and inclusion initiative – which promotes cross-cultural and interdisciplinary exchange between the UK and China.
Audiences in Shanghai had the chance to watch a fantastic range of Deaf-led films, including the Ben Steiner Bursary’s “The Quiet Ones“, “Do You Understand“, and Lumo TV’s “Battle Lines“. I was invited to share about these screenings, sharing insights into my experiences of the filmmaking process – covering from production challenges and tight deadlines to budgeting and creative decision-making.
Following the screenings, we held a Q&A session led by Garrison, Sheng Huang, and myself. The audience asked thoughtful questions on topics such as storytelling, lighting, casting, and beyond. One of the most enriching aspects of the event was navigating the multilingual environment – especially the use of Chinese Sign Language, which I found incredibly fascinating. Through patience, adaptation, and a shared willingness to learn, we created a truly meaningful exchange. It was a privilege to help deepen the public’s understanding and appreciation of Deaf experiences through film and open conversation.
Despite the 40-degree heat, I also had a chance to explore the vibrant city of Shanghai – what a stunning place! Highlights included the serene Yu Garden, the towering Shanghai Tower, the incredible food, and, most memorably, connecting with new and familiar faces alike.
Meeting local film students was another standout moment. Their passion and eagerness for filmmaking were heartwarming, and it was inspiring to share this space with so many like-minded individuals – both emerging talents and seasoned professionals.
I was thrilled to reconnect with familiar faces like Zheng Xiaosan, the award-winning director of Deaffest 2017’s Best Artistic Short Film, and writer Chen Haun. It was also wonderful to cross paths again with Troi Lee and Matthew Taylor, who are involved in the Connections Through Culture programme through Deaf Rave and Alice Hu (Access Studio).
As I left Shanghai, I felt a deep sense of hope and fulfillment. I truly believe this exchange left a meaningful impact – not just on the audience and filmmakers, but the students too. I hope to see them continue their filmmaking journeys, and I look forward to future collaborations. Watch this space – we’re not done yet!
A huge thank you to my BSL interpreter, Gabriella Bueno Del Carpio, and of course to Garrison Gou and Alice Hu for their hard work in bringing this amazing project to life. I’m so thankful to have been part of it – meeting so many talented individuals, forming new connections, and experiencing such rich culture. Thanks also to the British Council for making this possible. It’s a project that has truly touched my heart.
Take a look at the slideshow below!
Deaffest 