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.
CLICK HERE FOR BSL VIDEO | CLICK HERE FOR INTERNATIONAL SIGN VIDEO
Got something bold, creative, informative, or eye-catching to share?
Whether you’re a business, charity, organisation, or creative brand with flair, this is your chance to put your stall in the spotlight at the 16th edition of Deaffest – the international Deaf Film & Arts Festival!
Promote your brand. Showcase your craft. Sell your products. Spark conversations. At Deaffest, your stall isn’t just a table – it’s a space to connect.
Date: Saturday 9th May 2026
Location: University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
Click HERE to fill in the application form.
Come #SignInStyleatDeaffest 2026 and dress to impress – stall-style!
Application deadline: Wednesday 28th January 2026
Stallholder queries: Deaffeststalls@zebra-access.com
As part of Deaffest’s commitment to supporting Deaf creatives and championing Deaf arts, culture, and storytelling, independent creative stalls will receive additional promotional support through social media re-sharing.
Looking for more promotion for your business/organisation? Contact: Deaffestsponsors@zebra-access.com
Deaffest Online Cinema (DOC), Deaffest’s dedicated streaming platform hosted via Eventive, is expanding with a BRAND-NEW section: the ‘Deaffest Classic Showcase’ – a celebration of the vibrant legacy of Deaf cinema.
The special showcase honours the groundbreaking contributions of Deaf-led films and indie creatives, highlighting the rich history, passion, and innovation that have shaped storytelling over the years. A unique opportunity to revisit iconic works and appreciate the evolution of Deaf filmmaking and culture.
It’s completely FREE to watch!
The ‘Deaffest Classic Showcase‘ is available to stream anytime – whether you’re on a laptop, tablet, or mobile – from anywhere in the world, now through to Deaffest 2026 (8th to 10th May 2026) and beyond.
Already streaming on DOC:
While the ‘Deaffest Classic Showcase’ is a new addition, you can also explore a range of existing content on DOC, including:
– Young Deaf Filmmakers Scheme (2007–2008)
– Ben Steiner Bursary short films (2009–2015)
– Deaffest: Rewind episodes (2021–2022)
Plus, selected NEW non-competition films and award-nominated works will be uploaded to DOC ahead of Deaffest 2026.
Don’t miss this chance to discover and celebrate the creativity, talent, and heritage that continue to shape Deaf cinema!
How to watch:
If you already have an account with Eventive, simply log in.
If you do not have an account with Eventive, register your details at: https://watch.eventive.org/me
When you have registered, close the window and visit the Deaffest Online Cinema – and enjoy!
Deaffest 
