Thank you to those who have sent in their entry/entries for Deaffest 2026!
Deaffest is excited to see such a high standard of work submitted this year. However, the team would like to share that two award categories – Best TV Programme and Best Presenter – will not go ahead due to a low number of entries in these areas.
In positive news, the large number of documentary submissions has led to the introduction of a new award category: Best Short Documentary. This means there will now be two documentary-focused awards: Best Documentary and Best Short Documentary.
Deaffest is also pleased to announce the addition of another category: Best Cinematographer. With the increasing number of talented D/deaf Directors of Photography (DoPs), this award has been created to recognise and celebrate their exceptional cinematography skills.
Deaffest thanks everyone for their creativity, passion, and continued support – stay tuned for the next reel of updates!
Please note that all submissions for Deaffest 2026 are closed.
Deaffest is seeking qualified British Sign Language interpreters, International Sign interpreters, International Sign/American Sign Language interpreters, and Relay interpreters for its 16th edition of the festival in Wolverhampton from the 8th to 10th of May 2026. If you are interested, please get in touch at:
Lights, Camera… Your Vision!
Are you a young D/deaf creative aged 11-16 who loves film, fashion, or design? Or do you know someone who is?
Deaffest is inviting young people to take part in a fun, creative, online-based challenge!
From May 8–10, 2026, Deaffest’s 16th edition – themed around costume and fashion in film, TV, and the arts – marks its 10th Film & TV Awards.
Step into the director’s chair and design your own unique film clapperboard! Whether you’re an artist, a storyteller, or just love being creative, this is your chance to imagine, explore visual storytelling, and bring your ideas to life through costumes, colours, and style.
Share this with your students, young people, or friends – or get involved yourself!
The Challenge: Combine costume, film, and imagination in one eye-catching design!
Here’s how to take part:
1. Download and print the Deaffest clapperboard template:
2. Come up with a name for your film
3. Choose your film’s genre (e.g. horror, sci-fi, action, historical, comedy, romance)
4. Create a costume design for a character in your film (Use your own ideas and imagination – this is all about your creativity! Grab pens, paint, fabric, glitter, or anything else you like)
5. Tell us a short story, add a mini slogan, or share a scene idea – you can also explain your chosen costume!
How to Enter
– Please have a parent/guardian share your design on Instagram or Facebook, tagging @Deaffest and including #SignInStyleAtDeaffest to help us see your amazing work!
– Parents/guardians should also email the entry to enquiries@deaffest.co.uk including creator’s first name and age.
– By submitting, parents/guardians confirm they consent to their child’s entry, including their first name and age, being shared publicly as part of Deaffest, including on Deaffest’s website, social media channels, and festival programme.
– Submit by Wednesday 4th February 2026
Join the creative challenge and be part of a festival that celebrates Deaf culture and creativity from around the world.
Deaffest 
