I recently had the honour of visiting Shanghai for the “Echoes of Deaf History” event, where I was invited – on behalf of Deaffest – to explore and discuss Deaf narratives and representation in film with local audiences. The experience was truly inspiring, and I feel incredibly grateful to have taken part, especially working alongside the brilliant Garrison Gou and Alice Hu.
This project is supported by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture Grant – part of their diversity and inclusion initiative – which promotes cross-cultural and interdisciplinary exchange between the UK and China.
Audiences in Shanghai had the chance to watch a fantastic range of Deaf-led films, including the Ben Steiner Bursary’s “The Quiet Ones“, “Do You Understand“, and Lumo TV’s “Battle Lines“. I was invited to share about these screenings, sharing insights into my experiences of the filmmaking process – covering from production challenges and tight deadlines to budgeting and creative decision-making.
Following the screenings, we held a Q&A session led by Garrison, Sheng Huang, and myself. The audience asked thoughtful questions on topics such as storytelling, lighting, casting, and beyond. One of the most enriching aspects of the event was navigating the multilingual environment – especially the use of Chinese Sign Language, which I found incredibly fascinating. Through patience, adaptation, and a shared willingness to learn, we created a truly meaningful exchange. It was a privilege to help deepen the public’s understanding and appreciation of Deaf experiences through film and open conversation.
Despite the 40-degree heat, I also had a chance to explore the vibrant city of Shanghai – what a stunning place! Highlights included the serene Yu Garden, the towering Shanghai Tower, the incredible food, and, most memorably, connecting with new and familiar faces alike.
Meeting local film students was another standout moment. Their passion and eagerness for filmmaking were heartwarming, and it was inspiring to share this space with so many like-minded individuals – both emerging talents and seasoned professionals.
I was thrilled to reconnect with familiar faces like Zheng Xiaosan, the award-winning director of Deaffest 2017’s Best Artistic Short Film, and writer Chen Haun. It was also wonderful to cross paths again with Troi Lee and Matthew Taylor, who are involved in the Connections Through Culture programme through Deaf Rave and Alice Hu (Access Studio).
As I left Shanghai, I felt a deep sense of hope and fulfillment. I truly believe this exchange left a meaningful impact – not just on the audience and filmmakers, but the students too. I hope to see them continue their filmmaking journeys, and I look forward to future collaborations. Watch this space – we’re not done yet!
A huge thank you to my BSL interpreter, Gabriella Bueno Del Carpio, and of course to Garrison Gou and Alice Hu for their hard work in bringing this amazing project to life. I’m so thankful to have been part of it – meeting so many talented individuals, forming new connections, and experiencing such rich culture. Thanks also to the British Council for making this possible. It’s a project that has truly touched my heart.
Take a look at the slideshow below!
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore – London Premiere
Join Deaffest on Tour and Dogwoof on 6th August for an evening at the London premiere of ‘Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore’, featuring a thought-provoking panel led by Deaffest Co-Founder & Festival Director Nikki Stratton.
Writer & Director Ted Evans and producer and Lumo TV factual commissioner Cathy Heffernan will journey into the soul of the documentary – exploring the lived experiences, themes, and truths that ripple far beyond the screen.
Right: Ted Evans (photo by Mark Mecklenburgh, Willow Photography Ltd)
Cathy Heffernan is a Factual Commissioner at LumoTV, which commissions bold and original content in BSL. She is also an experienced journalist, producer, and director, with credits across the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, and LumoTV. Cathy is passionate about authentic representation and inclusive storytelling on screen.
Ted Evans is a London-based writer-director whose work spans film, television, and documentary. He began his career at the BBC and later co-directed two films for the 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony. His award-winning shorts ‘The End’ and ‘Retreat’ (supported by Deaffest’s Ben Steiner Bursary) gained international acclaim, with ‘Retreat’ now in development as a feature. Ted has received three Deaffest awards, including Best Director and Best Film. Recent credits include ‘SIGNS FOR CHANGE’ (BBC1), ‘One Look (Reprise)’ (Sony Classical), and ‘Turn Up the Bass’ (Netflix).
Come for the documentary, stay for the conversation. 6th August – click here for all the details.
Join us at BFI Southbank on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, for the London premiere of the powerful documentary ‘Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore’, presented by Dogwoof and Deaffest on Tour.
Follow Marlee Matlin – the first Deaf actress to win an Academy Award (Oscar) and activist – in this visually immersive documentary directed by Deaf filmmaker Shoshannah Stern. Told through American Sign Language, it explores Marlee’s journey to stardom, her fight against industry barriers, and her bold advocacy for accessibility and representation in Hollywood and beyond.
Hosted by Deaffest Co-Founder and Festival Director Nikki Stratton, the evening will include:
- Introduction
- Screening of the documentary
- Panel discussion with Ted Evans (writer & director) and Cathy Heffernan (documentary producer and factual commissioner at Lumo TV)
- Live audience Q&A
The event will take place at NFT1, BFI Southbank (Belvedere Road, South Bank, London, SE1 8XT), starting at 6:00pm.
The documentary is rated 12A (advisory). BSL interpreters and live captioning will be provided.
Click here for the event details, programme, and to purchase your tickets.
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