Deaffest had the immense privilege of commemorating two remarkable milestones in early May: the 20th anniversary of the legendary John Smith’s comedy career and his 60th birthday! The celebratory weekend was truly unforgettable, drawing an enthusiastic crowd to the Newstead Centre to honour a beloved icon of the Deaf community.
The festivities were filled with unforgettable highlights. The incomparable John Smith brought the house down with his signature brand of side-splitting humour, leaving audiences laughing throughout. Colin Thomson delivered soul-stirring sign songs that moved and mesmerised, while the ever-talented Richard Carter captivated attendees with his powerful and emotive poetry. Adding a magical flair to the celebration was none other than Magic Morgan from the USA, whose spellbinding performance lit up the stage and added an international sparkle to the event.
A special Q&A session offered fans a rare opportunity to engage directly with John, asking questions about his incredible journey, creative inspirations, and the enduring legacy he has built over two decades in comedy and performance.
In recognition of his extraordinary impact on the arts, John Smith was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement in Comedy and Dramatic Arts Award at Deaffest 2024. This accolade celebrates not only his exceptional talent but also his lasting contributions to the worlds of comedy and drama within the Deaf community.
And if you haven’t yet had the chance to watch John’s interview on ‘Deaffest: Rewind’ from a few years ago, don’t miss out – be sure to check it out and take a trip down memory lane with one of the community’s most cherished figures!
Deaffest is excited to collaborate with Garrison Gou and Alice Hu this summer to present a specially curated programme of Deaf-related film screenings in Shanghai, accompanied by a thought-provoking seminar discussion.
Supported by the British Council’s ‘Connections Through Culture Grant’ under the diversity and inclusion initiative, this collaboration fosters cross-cultural and interdisciplinary exchange between the UK and China. The event, titled ‘Echoes of Deaf History’, will explore Deaf narratives and representation, aiming to deepen public understanding and appreciation of Deaf experiences through cinema and conversation.
Deaffest’s Media Project Management Officer, Jack Smallwood, will present a selection of shorts including Ben Steiner Bursary’s ‘The Quiet Ones’, ‘Do You Understand?’, and highlights from previous Deaffest festivals. Jack will also lead the seminar, offering his perspective and engaging audiences in meaningful discussion.
Stay tuned for more details!
Big news! Deaffest Co-founders & Festival Directors Nikki Stratton and Marilyn Willrich are heading to France next month for the Film’Ô Festival in Toulouse! 🇫🇷
This international short film festival, immersed in Sign Language and Deaf culture, returns for its 2nd edition on 13-14 June 2025. As part of the programme, a short clip about Deaffest will be screened – giving audiences a taste of the UK’s leading Deaf-led Film & Arts Festival!
Un grand merci to the Film’Ô Festival Director, Michel Gonzalez, for the warm welcome – Nikki and Marilyn are excited to support this inspiring Deaf film festival and connect with new faces along the way!
Deaffest 