A meaningful step forward in turning awareness into action for Deaf representation in the film industry
The BFI were delighted to welcome Nikki Stratton, Co-founder and Festival Director of Deaffest, to deliver a series of training sessions for colleagues working at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX cinemas.
The sessions offered an in-depth exploration of Deaf culture and its historical context, giving staff a deeper understanding of the diversity within Deaf communities across the UK.
The training highlighted a rich and often overlooked cultural history that continues to shape Deaf experiences today, reflected in films such as ‘Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore’ (2025) and ‘Deaf President Now’ (2025), as well as the TV miniseries ‘Reunion’ (2024). It also spotlighted D/deaf creatives working in film.
Participants gained practical communication skills, including how to introduce themselves in BSL.
Deaffest, supported by the BFI National Lottery Audience Projects Fund, takes place this weekend from 8–10 May. (www.deaffest.co.uk)
Deaffest 
