On Monday 23 March, the Deaffest team enjoyed an inspiring visit to the Braidwood Trust School for the Deaf in Birmingham, connecting with the next generation of D/deaf storytellers and creatives.
The morning began with an assembly presentation, where the team introduced Deaffest 2026, sharing the festival’s theme and the opportunities for young people to get involved. It was a highly engaging session, with pupils actively participating and being encouraged to see themselves as future contributors to the creative industries.
The visit continued with a media-focused workshop for students interested in film, media, and digital storytelling. Through open discussion, participants explored creative career pathways, shared their interests and experiences, and considered how they can develop their skills and ambitions within the industry.
As part of the session, students were introduced to the Deaffest Online Cinema, showcasing how audiences can discover and access films created by D/deaf filmmakers and creatives. The workshop also featured an exclusive screening of the Deaffest 2026 promotional video, which opened up a wider conversation about the growing presence of artificial intelligence within the creative industries. Students explored what AI is, how AI-generated elements were used within the promo, and the opportunities, limitations, and ethical considerations surrounding its use. The discussion encouraged critical thinking about emerging technologies, including their potential impact on creativity, filmmaking, and the wider world, while highlighting the importance of informed and responsible decision-making.
The visit highlighted Deaffest’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging D/deaf talent, championing representation on screen, and creating pathways into the film and creative industries.
Deaffest would like to thank Braidwood Trust School for the Deaf for the invitation and warm welcome, and for providing the opportunity to engage with such enthusiastic and inspiring young creatives!
Deaffest 