Deaffest on Tour & Film Africa

Thursday 3rd November 2022

RichMix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA

3.10pm: Live panel discussion Black + Deaf: Navigating the Mainstream Media

Age suitability for this event: 18+

A panel discussion led by popular BSL TV presenter and in-vision translator Ahmed Mudawi focused on the contributors’ works, and their experiences of working in the media. The panellists will identify and discuss gaps impacting Black and Deaf media professionals in the industry. Views and opinions will be shared on bridging effective communication between deaf and hearing media practitioners in the mainstream, with the aim of promoting growth in opportunities and improved accessibility in future. (BSL/English Interpretation will be provided)

PANEL HOST

Ahmed Mudawi is a talented and popular BSL TV Presenter, appearing on iconic programmes such as BBC See Hear and Channel 4 VEE TV. He is currently presenting This is Deaf for BSL Zone – winner of Best TV Programme at Deaffest 2022!

Ahmed is widely recognised for his skilled in-vision translation for the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Being British Sudanese, Ahmed has been a contributor for BSL Zone’s Black Lives Matter and Black Deaf Media Representation and for BSLBT’s Found in the UK. He also volunteers for Black Deaf UK, where he is committed to empowering Black deaf people in areas such as education and work, whilst also making Black story books accessible for deaf children. 

Ahmed loves films and is famous for his world class smile!

Alexandra James’ TV credits include starring in THE BREAK Series 5 in “OH TONI”. THE BREAK was shortlisted for a Broadcast Digital Award in 2022. She also appeared in THREE SISTERS REWIRED which aired on BBC Radio. Alexandra’s theatre credits include A NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (Leeds Playhouse), THE JUNGLE BOOK (Derby Theatre). plus Zoo Co’s MESSY and most recently  RISE OF THE REFRAIN. Alexandra James has recently been announced as one of the new series leads for SEX EDUCATION season 4 on Netflix.

David Ellington gained vast experience in directing and producing short documentary films whilst at the helm of VS1 Productions.

One of his first documentaries highlighted the possible closure of Elmfield school (2011). It was highly rated and led to a positive result for a family, who secured a place for their son in a better educational setting.

During David’s producing journey, he focused on varied topics and content such as, 300 SECS (2013), Save Community (2014), and Lost Community (2016). David enjoys challenging tasks and pushing himself. As a producer, David worked on his first overseas documentary, Two Deaf Travellers (2019), which helped him to understand how short production works effectively with a variety of film sources. 

On the BBC’s ‘See Hear’ programme, David was invited to make Dismantling Racism (2021), which highlights Black Deaf people’s experiences within the deaf community. He has also worked as a videographer and editor on a new documentary called the Deaf Academy (2022).

Earleatha Oppon is a producer based in London, with a background in short films & production. Her previous shorts have played at the BFI London Film Festival and the London Short Film Festival, amongst others. She recently completed her first feature, as Associate Producer, on the BFI, BBC and Searchlight’s Rye Lane.

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Vilma Jackson is an independent filmmaker, a performance artist, and an activist for social justice.

In the past 13 years, she has had a successful career as a performing artist, appearing on some fantastic projects, including Coronation Street – ITV (2021). She has also recently collaborated with Facebook/Meta.

She founded her own production company to create social justice projects, to educate audiences and spread awareness. She has learned from talented directors and actors in both the hearing and Deaf communities, and these experiences inspired her to create Vilma Jackson Productions. In her production company, she promotes diversity, showcases talent, and provides valuable experience as a production crew member.