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).
Happy New Year, everyone! We hope you’re off to a great start in 2025!
We thoroughly enjoyed watching ITV’s National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash earlier this week! The programme celebrated the National Lottery’s 30th anniversary by showcasing highlights from the live event held at the OVO Arena Wembley in London on 4th December 2024. Among the moments captured was a glimpse of Deaffest’s sign and a message from our PR Liaison Officer, Lou Parrott!
This special event, hosted by Vernon Kay and Fleur East, was a heartfelt thank-you to National Lottery players. It featured incredible stories of people who made a difference in 2024 thanks to National Lottery funding. Spectacular performances by Cirque du Soleil, Craig David, Olly Alexander, and others added to the evening’s excitement. The event also revealed the final two inspirational game changers of the year, completing the list of remarkable individuals honoured before Christmas, including Deaffest Co-founders Nikki Stratton and Marilyn Willrich.
Sharing more details from our recent Instagram story post: the programme concluded with people sharing their hopes for 2025. Lou was among them, expressing a wish to see more Deaf individuals working in mainstream TV, film, and theatre.
Here’s hoping that Lou’s wish comes true, especially for Deaf individuals to step into leading roles!
What a great way to end 2024! If you have not yet seen #NYEBigBash programme, check it out here!
Deaffest 