We’re thrilled to announce that Deaffest has been named a winner in the SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards 2026, taking home two fantastic honours:
- Excellence in Deaf Community Support 2026
- Best Deaf-led Arts Festival 2026
Deaffest, hosted by Zebra Access CIO and delivered by Zebra Uno Ltd, is the UK’s leading Deaf-led Film & Arts Festival.. The biennial Wolverhampton-based festival supports, develops, and showcases the talents of both emerging and established D/deaf filmmakers, artists, and creatives from the UK and around the world.
Through its wide array of events, Deaffest plays a vital role in preserving Deaf culture, heritage, and sign languages from across the globe, including British Sign Language (BSL), through film and the arts. It highlights the richness and diversity of Deaf culture, offering a platform for D/deaf creatives to share their stories, knowledge, and lived experiences. In doing so, Deaffest provides inspiration, education, and empowerment for future generations of D/deaf individuals.
Deaffest is recognised for its influential role in promoting Deaf culture and drawing attention to the challenges D/deaf individuals face within the creative sectors. By fostering a deeper global understanding and appreciation of Deaf culture, the festival ensures that D/deaf creatives and audiences have equal access to cultural experiences. It also connects creatives, encouraging opportunity, collaboration, and career development.
As a winner at the Midlands Enterprise Awards 2026, this recognition highlights Deaffest’s contribution to cultural enterprise, innovation, and inclusion. Beyond its cultural impact, Deaffest contributes to the creative economy of the Midlands by supporting skills development, nurturing new talent, and strengthening pathways into film, television, and the wider creative industries, while also raising awareness of Deaf culture among broader audiences and encouraging greater inclusion across society. The festival’s continued growth reflects its strong partnerships with organisations, educational institutions, and media professionals committed to equality and representation.
Now in its 20th year, the internationally recognised Deaf Film & Arts Festival will return to Wolverhampton in 2028 for its 17th edition and 11th Film & TV Awards. Deaffest 2028 will feature subtitled premieres and screenings, a stalls fair, workshops, panel discussions, performances, networking opportunities, and virtual streaming via the Deaffest Online Cinema.
A huge thank you to everyone who makes Deaffest what it is – our filmmakers, artists, creatives, audiences, partners, volunteers and supporters. This one’s for the whole Deaffest family.
Deaffest 