Sunday 12th May: Screenings at the Arena Theatre

9.00am: International Sign Unpacked | Dir. Annelies Kusters & Jorn Rijckaert, UK

International Sign Unpacked” follows deaf youth from around the globe—South Korea, Jordan, Brazil, the USA—as they converge in Denmark for the “Frontrunners” program. This documentary reveals their journey over a 9-month course, blending various storytelling methods, including participant-made videos. It highlights their evolution from diverse backgrounds to a unified group, mastering International Sign (IS) through challenges and milestones. By comparing their initial signing to their skills eight months later, the film showcases the profound transformation in their communication, offering a glimpse into the creation of a shared IS dialect amidst cultural diversity. (Content may contain Racism)

10.29am: Double Role | Dir. Kaoru Kawanishi, Japan

Deaf curler Sayuri Matsuhashi has a one-year-old hearing daughter with her deaf husband. She and her older brother, who is also deaf, won a regional tournament and became the first deaf people to qualify for the national competition, so she is busy training all over the country while raising her child.

Including her honest feelings when she learned that her daughter was hearing, the film depicts a true picture of her as a deaf curler and mother through a year that had the unforeseen impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and more.

11.09am: I am CODA | Dir. Ivan Crnac, Czech Republic

The film explores the life of Jolanka, 16 years old hearing girl in the large Sedláček and Půlpán family, all of whom are deaf except for their children, known as CODA (Children Of Deaf Adults). Jolanka navigates the challenges of living in both the hearing and deaf worlds, living in the shared custody of her deaf parents. The documentary delves into her daily life, highlighting the struggles, obstacles, and joys she faces while seeking her identity “in between” these two worlds. “I am CODA” provides a unique perspective on communication within a family of two language cultures, showcasing spoken and sign language, offering viewers insight into the power of the human spirit and fostering understanding of those who share their diverse worlds.

11.34am: The Deaf Academy | Dir. Matthew McCauley & Molly Thomas, UK

Looking back at the history of the oldest residential deaf school in England, Matthew discovers facts about the academy’s past, meets current students, school leavers on work experience and the architect who designed the new building.

12.06pm: A Sonorous Melody | Dir. Riani Singgih, Indonesia

Born as a Deaf individual in Indonesia, Mufi chose to carve out a musical career and express herself through sign language. Growing up Deaf in Indonesia, Mufi was taught to speak rather than sign. Her early diagnosis led to a move to the capital for education where oral communication was emphasized, leaving her isolated within her family. Only in adulthood did she embrace sign language with close friends. Now, as a Deaf artist, she seeks to inspire through sign language expression. Mufi aspires to collaborate with creatives locally and globally, though she still grapples with fears about her future despite her success.

12.31pm: Chocolat Viennois | Dir. Elie Vilmin, France

Gabrielle, a deaf young adult raised in an oralist family, feels like she is missing out on her life. His unexpected meeting with Avril, a deaf signer and proud of it, upsets his way of seeing things.

12.59pm: Speak in a Whisper | Dir. Chongyan Liu, France

In the middle of what would have otherwise been a banal evening, everything Céleste has been trying to hide from her husband comes to light. Céleste is a deaf painter from a wealthy family. Her husband, Max, is an activist from a troubled background who frequents protests around Paris.

1.35pm: The Silenced | Dir. Julien Bourges, France

On April 5, 2021, Mediapart published an article about the mistreatment of deaf children at the deaf school in Asnières, the Gustave Baguer Institute just north of Paris.

In fact, the mistreatment of deaf children in quite a few deaf schools and medico-social services has existed for many years. These six deaf people decided to break the silence and tell their stories… (Content may contain scenes of Sexual Assault and Abuse)

2.30pm: Andi does it (Andi Macht’s) | Dir. Christoph Kopal, Austria

Andi presents his new navigation app in sign language with his low-budget team in front of the camera. Conflict arises between Andi and the production manager right from the first shots. It remains uncertain whether Andi can endure his problems until the end. (Content may contain scenes of Death/Violence and a Pornographic nature)

2.42pm: Carpe Lemon! | Dir. Yuki Neoh & Benedetta Zannetti, UK

When life gives you lemons…Seize the day.

2.50pm: Hi Bunny | Dir. Sebastian Cunliffe, UK

Hi Bunny! is a comedy following Roxy’s attempts to get revenge on her ex boyfriend Ricardo after being cruelly dumped on a doorstep. But what lengths will she go to?

2.58pm: Lockdown | Dir. Ganesh Karri, UK

It’s March 2020 and the Prime Minister has just addressed the nation in response to the Covid 19 pandemic, condemning everyone to the confinements of their four walls for an indeterminate amount of weeks. The novelty of not having to leave the house slowly begins to wear thin as the increasing feeling of lethargy and isolation, unable to meet face to face and sign with other Deaf people, takes its toll. Until one extraordinary day and magic box…

3.07pm: One Last Time | Dir. Kyle Emroe, USA

In this nonstop dark comedy thriller, two artist robbers are faced with the final assignment that would set them up for a lifetime but the price must be paid through family blood.

3.18pm: Rhythm To My Ears | Dir. Yuki Neoh, UK

A deaf man’s day is disrupted by tinnitus, and he decides to take things into his own hands by combatting the noise with music and joy.

3.24pm: Ruaridh | Dir. Will Clark, UK

A portrait of Ruaridh Lever-Hogg, a Deaf artist from the Scottish Highlands.

In this short art documentary film, Ruaridh tells us about how he became involved with art, his painting journey, and how it has profoundly impacted his life as an artist, all while sharing his beautiful paintings.

3.34pm: Scott | Dir. Will Clark, UK

A portrait of Scott Campbell, a Deaf Photographer based in Glasgow, Scotland.

In this short documentary film, Scott tells us about his journey in photography and what impact it has had on his life, as well as sharing with us some of his most treasured work.

3.43pm: The Participant | Dir. Kyle Emroe, USA

In this strange drug clinical trial short powerhouse drama where nothing is what it seems.

3.54pm: Imaginings | Dir. Anja Hiddinga, Netherlands

In Imaginings six young, deaf ‘signed word’ artists, present poems in sign language.

4.06pm: Signs and Gestures | Dir. Itandehui Jansen, UK

Florist Clara relies on smell, touch and sound. She has recently been chatting with Art student Simon through a dating app.

They arrange to meet in person. However, during their first date an unexpected situation arises

4.18pm: The Blooming | Dir. Audrey Sangla, France

Finally out of prison after 27 years, Solange, a deaf woman, has just moved into a small apartment. At sixty-seven years old, she is tasked with finding her place in a stigmatizing society whose codes she no longer knows.

Will she be able to achieve full freedom and overcome all that is stacked against her?

4.30pm: MONEY & DUCKS | Dir. Veru Rodríguez, Spain

In “Money & Ducks”, a policewoman captures a drug trafficker in a banana plantation. The story behind rubber ducks linked to Chilean and Spanish mafias is revealed. An action-comedy film told in sign language. (Content may contain scenes of Violence, Kidnapping, Death, Blood, Torture and Swearing)

4.49pm: Discovering Manjeet | Dir. Manjeet Cross, UK

A biography on the life of Manjeet – shaped by the loss of her father, growing up deaf in a hearing world and a family history shrouded in mystery.

5.07pm: ANTONELLA. My Hands, My Voice | Dir. Francisco Jorquera Espinoza, Chile

Antonella is the only Chilean drag who is also deaf. After the covid confinement, she prepares her first solo show to present in Chile’s capital.

5.27pm: Talking Hands: The Woman I am | Dir. Paula Garfield, UK

The Woman I Am is written and performed by Samantha Pearsall, a deeply poignant and inspirational coming of age story about how we become the people we truly are.