Based in Wolverhampton and hosted by award-winning Deaf-led charity Zebra Access CIO, ‘Deaffest’ is the UK’s leading Deaf-led Film & Arts Festival.
The biennial 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.
With Deaffest Co-Founders Nikki Stratton and Marilyn Willrich named among The National Lottery Arts and Film Game Changers in 2024, and Deaffest recognised as a winner of the Midlands Enterprise Awards 2026, this recognition highlights the festival’s contribution to cultural enterprise, innovation, and inclusion
Beyond its cultural impact, Deaffest contributes to the creative economy of the Midlands and worldwide 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.
History
December 2006 saw the start of an exciting new era for Deaf media and creativity, with the launch of Deaffest, the UK’s principal Deaf Film and Television Festival.
Deaffest provides D/deaf filmmakers with the opportunity to showcase their work, gain recognition for their achievements and receive professional support in pursuing their aspirations.
While this landmark event was the brainchild of three enterprising Wolverhampton institutions: Zebra Uno, the University of Wolverhampton, and the Light House Media Centre, Deaffest’s Co-founders and Festival Directors took on a central role in running Deaffest through their non-profit organisation, Zebra Access, in 2012.
The late Richard Griffiths OBE, known for his acting work including ‘Harry Potter’, supported Deaffest as its Patron in 2012. Deaffest’s current Patron is British Actress and Writer Rachel Shenton, known for her character ‘Mitzeee’ in Channel 4’s ‘Hollyoaks’ and featuring in the US TV show ‘Switched at Birth’. The Ambassador for Young Deaffest is Danny Murphy – a Deaf filmmaker, presenter, and actor. His accomplishments include playing the role of ‘Wesley’ in the film ‘The Parts You Lose’.
Deaffest’s vibrant programme of screenings and events, including the much-coveted Ben Steiner Film Bursary, Young Deaffest, and the Film & TV Awards, has grown over the years. You can explore the history of Deaffest’s past festivals and projects in the archive section here.
Deaffest 