Festival celebrating films by deaf artists to begin

Nikki Stratton (left) and Marilyn Willrich (right) founded the festival in 2006

A festival supporting and showcasing the work of deaf filmmakers is set to begin.

Deaffest, which was founded in 2006, will take place across three venues in Wolverhampton from Friday to Sunday.

Subtitled films will be shown and creative workshops are on offer.

Organisers said the community was "buzzing" as the festival celebrated its 15th anniversary along with Deaf Awareness Week.

More than 400 films from 36 countries involving deaf directors, actors and artists had been screened at the festival since it was set up, co-founder Marilyn Willrich said.

The festival will feature a range of unique workshops

“Deaffest has and will continue to preserve the importance of deaf culture, sign languages, including British Sign Language, and deaf heritage," co-founder Nikki Stratton said.

The festival aimed to help build a bridge of inclusion between deaf and hearing media and arts professionals while breaking down communication barriers, she added.

New York Times bestselling author Nyle DiMarco will talk at the event about the barriers he has broken down as an actor and model, while DJ Inigo will provide a bass-heavy set.

Other music will be relayed in a variety of different forms such as sign-songs, "hand tutting" and dance.

A range of films from deaf directors, artists and actors will be showcased at the festival

Due to high demand, the festival said it had extended its opening times, with nearly all workshops at full capacity.

The festival will take place across the city at venues including University of Wolverhampton, Arena Theatre and The Halls.