Deaf Rochester Film Festival is dedicated to enabling deaf and hard-of-hearing filmmakers to showcase their artistic and creative talents. At the same time, Deaf Rochester Film Festival is also committed to increase awareness pertaining to issues deaf and hard-of-hearing filmmakers face in the industry.

For submissions, please go to www.deafrocfilmfest.com

Most films featured in the film festival have been written, produced, created, and performed by Deaf and hard of hearing. DRFF’s mission is to promote and showcase films by deaf and hard of hearing filmmakers; screen films about the Deaf experience; encourage analysis and interpretations of Deaf Cinema and Deaf visual aesthetics; develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Deaf gaze in light of the diversity of genres, cultures, and styles of filmmaking; foster film as a medium for historical preservation of Deaf Culture; provide networking opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing filmmakers and others involved in the field; and inspire future generations of Deaf and Hard of Hearing filmmakers.

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

All lengths and genres are accepted for possible consideration, including experimental, animation, documentary, narrative, and student films. Captions (and English subtitles, in the case of foreign - language films) are strongly encouraged. Please complete the entry form for each film submitted.

Your film(s) must meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:​​
The film is made by a Deaf or Hard of Hearing filmmaker,
AND/OR
The film is made by a hearing filmmaker with a Deaf or Hard of Hearing executive director,
AND/OR
The film must feature at least one deaf character,
AND/OR
The film is about the Deaf experience.

Films considered for possible inclusion in DRFF 2020 must be completed between 2016 to 2020.