Festival shines a light on deaf filmmakers

The festival provides a platform for deaf creatives

A festival featuring films, documentaries and exhibitions from deaf creatives is returning.

Deaffest was launched in 2006 and aims to provide a platform for emerging and established filmmakers from the UK and across the world.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the event which aims to boost deaf awareness.

It takes place from 10 and 12 May at the Arena Theatre, University of Wolverhampton and The Halls, Wolverhampton.

Deaffest is hosted by deaf-led Wolverhampton charity Zebra Access CIO.

As well as showcasing films and documentaries, the event also includes a range of exhibitions, seminars, workshops, parties and networking.

New York Times bestselling author Nyle DiMarco is set to take part alongside Ahmed Mudawi, a British Sign Language (BSL) TV presenter.

Mr Mudawi, who is Sudanese and deaf, is known for appearing on BBC's See Hear as well as in-vision translation on BBC and Channel 4.

Ahmed Mudawi is set to host the late night party for the Deaffest's 15th anniversary festival

He said: “The events present incredible opportunities, including bringing to the forefront the talents, skills, and achievements of the Deaf Community.”