Deaffest

Tracy McCoy

Tracy is widely recognised as a role model of inclusive practice and champion of equality and diversity at the University of Wolverhampton where she is Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Video and Film Production in the School of Media. Tracy has been involved with Deaffest in Wolverhampton since its inception. Tracy’s main research interest lies in exploring the tensions and opportunities provided by inclusive teaching and learning. Tracy has a reputation for influencing curriculum design, central University, School and divisional policy and practice across all equality and diversity strands. She regularly initiates cultural, cross-curricular and cross school collaborations such as the Sign Media project. Tracy is a BSL user and tutor to many Deaf students.

deaffest 

Joel Kellhofer

Joel is a Director of award winning production company AC2.com. Theatre is in Joel’s blood so he naturally drifted into the world of media. His experience ranges from camera work and editing to directing and producing for clients including BBC’s See Hear, STV, BSLBT, Community Channel, Sky and Virgin Media TV.

AC2.com previously won Deaffest’s Best British Film Award for their drama Coming Out.

“I like to combine a solid understanding of the business side of production with a creative approach and a strong visual sense. I have a commitment to Deaf media and in giving back to the Community in any way that I can.”

 

Linda Day

An enthusiastic and creative person, Linda is the former Director of the Centre of Deaf Studies, University of Bristol, and a well-known teacher, trainer, video and television presenter. Linda is one of the Founders and Directors of Signworld.

Linda was one of the producers for the short documentary Life Out There (2012) in which has received a few awards and is regularly asked to carry out BSL Monitoring work. Linda’s motivation for film and media has continued throughout her career and personal life.

 

Deaf dancers Billy Read and Ava Marissa Blake will be performing at Deaffest 2015 on the evening of Saturday 16^th May. If you want to be inspired, you’d better hotfoot it down to the festival!

A big welcome to award winning filmmaker, William Mager as Judge of Young Deaffest 2015!

 

William Mager is a Series Producer at the BBC for See Hear, one of the BBC’s longest running programmes since its introduction in 1981 – also the longest running programme made for deaf people by deaf people in the world.

William has made over 50 30 minute programmes in British Sign Language with a wide-ranging editorial remit. He has explored hot topics such as access to healthcare, he has highlighted the achievements of successful deaf people, unearthed untold histories and given audiences food for thought with studio debates.

William also collaborates with other areas of the BBC, including News, Online, Drama and CBBC, to ensure that programmes featuring deaf contributors and deaf roles are portrayed in the right way and are accessible to deaf and hearing audiences.

William has also written for BBC News Online, Wired and The Limping Chicken, and has appeared on BBC Breakfast speaking about controversial issues that affect the deaf community.

Outside of his day job at the BBC, William likes to direct films that create a buzz. His recent short films such as Hands Solo and My Song have been shown around the world and have picked up numerous awards internationally. He has won an award for best short film at Deaffest for Stiletto, and has many happy memories of premiering his films at the festival.