Deaffest

Frank Retires

Frank Challenger, co founder and Chief Executive of Light House retired at the end of May. Frank has been a long time champion of the Deaf film industry and over the years has worked with Zebra Uno to organise and develop Deaffest. As a friend and colleague he has gained the affection and respect of all those who worked with him.

At Frank’s last Deaffest we presented him with a farewell film and engraved glass piece to remember us by.

Our love and best wishes to you Frank, and we have already reserved you a seat of honour for the Gala Awards 2013.

Announcement of Deaffest’s first Patron: Richard Griffiths

Richard Griffiths accepted the invitation to become a Patron of Deaffest in
February this year.

He would like to have been with us at Deaffest but his time is fully committed as he has just opened in The Sunshine Boys with  Danny DeVito at The Savoy Theatre, to rave reviews.

However, he has sent this message:
‘I am sorry that I cannot be with you for this year’s Deaffest.  I was very pleased to accept the invitation to become a patron as I believe that the idea of encouraging Deaf people to make films is excellent.  To my mind, since film is essentially a visual mode of expression, a Deaf film maker faces exactly the same challenges as anyone else and I would expect a film made by a Deaf person to be at least as good as anyone else’s.  I am sure this is true of the films that the organisers have accepted for Deaffest this year.  Please accept my good wishes for a successful festival.’

Richard Griffiths in the National Theatre’s Habit of Art, 2010

To mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Deaffest 2012 will be celebrating in 1950’s style!

We’ve got flags and bunting, live rock and roll, stunning burlesque, even traditionally made jam and cakes!  So take a step back in time with us to that golden era and commemorate 60 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign.