On 10th December 2024, Deaffest Co-Founders and Festival Directors Nikki Stratton and Marilyn Willrich were excited to attend an event hosted by the British Film Institute (BFI) at BFI Southbank in London.
The day was brimming with inspiration and the opportunity to connect with many new faces, especially the talented team at the BFI. One of the event’s standout moments was sharing the story of Deaffest, the UK’s leading Deaf-led Film & Arts Festival. Nikki and Marilyn had the privilege of discussing the essential role the National Lottery has played in supporting the festival, both through vital funding and by honouring them as Film and Arts Game Changers in the UK. This recognition highlights the profound impact Deaffest continues to have, fostering connections with other creatives and industry professionals.
The event was truly invaluable, offering insightful discussions about the BFI’s remarkable work, along with a Q&A session featuring the legendary Richard Curtis!
A huge thank you to the BFI for the warm invitation and to everyone who shared their time and insights!
With thanks to BFI for the above photos.
Deaffest, the UK’s leading Deaf-led Film & Arts Festival, returns to Wolverhampton from 8th to 10th May 2026! The milestone 10th Film & TV Awards invites both emerging and established filmmakers from the UK and around the world to submit their work and be part of an unforgettable cinematic showcase!
For 18 years, Deaffest has proudly hosted 15 festivals, spotlighting the work of talented D/deaf creatives from the UK and beyond. Deaffest is dedicated to championing, celebrating, and amplifying D/deaf creatives – especially filmmakers, actors, writers, and more – by providing a platform to highlight their valuable skills and creativity within the global film industry.
Short film, documentary, artistic piece, and more – this is your chance to be part of history! Send in your submission and let your work, stories and experiences shine at the 16th edition of Deaffest 2026.
To explore the available award categories or the non-competition category, click the FilmFreeway button below. Applicants must be 18 or over. Please have all your information ready before starting the submission form. (If you are under 18 and want to submit your entry, contact us at enquiries@deaffest.co.uk).
FilmFreeway submission link now closed.
DEADLINES & FEES
ENTRIES OPEN | 12th February 2025.
EARLYBIRD DEADLINE | Submit by 30th April, 2025, at 3.00pm (GMT) to qualify for FREE entry.
REGULAR DEADLINE | Submit between 30th April after 3.00pm (GMT) and 30th September, 2025, by 3.00pm (GMT) for a £20.00 (GBP) entry fee*.
FINAL DEADLINE | Submit between 30th September after 3.00pm (GMT) and 30th October, 2025, by 3.00pm (GMT) for a £40.00 (GBP) entry fee*.
NOTIFICATION DATE | 16th December 2025.
*From April 30th after 3:00pm until October 30th, an additional fee applies if you choose more than one of the following award categories: Best Film, Best UK Short Film, Best International Short Film, Best Documentary, Best Television Programme, and Best Artistic Short Film.
Huge Congratulations to Wendy Daunt!
We are thrilled to celebrate Wendy on being awarded an O.B.E. in the King’s New Year Honours list!
This incredible recognition reflects her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Royal School for the Deaf Derby, her tireless support for Deaf children, young people, and the community, and her invaluable contributions to Deaf education.
Wendy has also made a profound impact through CHASE Video Productions, which was established in 1993, working alongside Jerry Hanifin to develop essential BSL resources adapted from English books and news – particularly for schools – at a time when such resources were scarce.
Her influence extends to Deaffest, where she presented an award in 2015 and later shared her valuable insights in 2022 during the Future of Female Filmmakers in the Film & TV Industry panel discussion, highlighting the importance of supporting one another.
Wendy’s work continues to inspire and shape the future for so many. Let’s celebrate her incredible achievements and the lasting legacy she is building.
(Above photos taken by Mark Mecklenburgh, Willow Photography Ltd).
Deaffest 