Deaffest: the UK’s leading Deaf-led Film & Arts Festival

Upcoming Festival Date/s: 8th - 10th May 2026

Location: Wolverhampton, UK

Deaffest, a festival under Zebra Access CIO, is the UK’s leading Deaf-led Film & Arts Festival. Founded in Wolverhampton, UK in 2006, Deaffest supports, nurtures and showcases the talents of both emerging and established D/deaf filmmakers and artists from the UK and around the globe.

Through its diverse events, the festival plays a vital role in preserving Deaf culture, heritage, and sign languages from all over the world, including British Sign Language (BSL), through film and arts. Deaffest celebrates the richness and diversity of Deaf culture, offering a platform for D/deaf filmmakers and artists to share their stories, knowledge and experiences. It also provides inspiration, education, and empowerment for the next generation of D/deaf filmmakers.

Deaffest is renowned for its influential role in promoting Deaf culture and bringing attention to the challenges that D/deaf individuals encounter in the Media and Arts sectors, fostering a deeper global understanding and appreciation of Deaf culture.

Running for ALMOST 20 years, the internationally acclaimed Deaf Film & Arts Festival will return to Wolverhampton the 8th - 10th May 2026 for its 16th Edition and 10th film & TV Awards.

Deaffest 2026 promises an extraordinary celebration of creativity, connection, and culture!
Prepare to immerse yourself in unforgettable subtitled premieres and film screenings, captivating exhibitions, and dynamic accessible workshops, and explore vibrant stalls by creative artists, businesses, and charities, showcasing unique works and initiatives that inspire and empower.
Engage in thought-provoking panel discussions, awe-inspiring performances, and exclusive networking opportunities. The festival will feature appearances by renowned, high-profile, and surprise guests, making every moment a discovery.

For those unable to attend in person, experience the magic through our Deaffest Online Cinema, bringing the excitement of Deaffest to audiences worldwide. They're available for FREE to stream at your convenience—anytime, anywhere.

Explore the collection now: https://deaffestonlinecinema.eventive.org/films

Join us in celebrating the incredible talent, innovation, and remarkable work of the D/deaf community at Deaffest 2026—a festival like no other!

For more information, visit www.deaffest.co.uk.

Awards & Prizes

FILM AWARD CATEGORIES:
We accept UK and International film submissions. Please check the category’s criteria, to ensure your film is eligible before you submit it.

The nominees for each award category will receive a certificate, while the winners will receive a certificate and a trophy. Your name and submission will shine in Deaffest's promotional materials, including the website and social media platforms, brilliantly celebrating your work and showcasing your profile!

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BEST FILM
- OPEN TO UK AND INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKERS.
- Films must be OVER 20 minutes.
- Deaffest welcomes all genres, such as action, comedy, horror, romance, etc.
** Please note: at least one D/deaf individual MUST have undertaken the role of Producer, Director, or Writer for this production. **

BEST UK SHORT FILM
- OPEN TO UK FILMMAKERS ONLY.
- Films must be UNDER 20 minutes.
- Deaffest welcomes all genres, such as action, comedy, horror, romance, etc.
** Please note: at least one D/deaf individual MUST have undertaken the role of Producer, Director, or Writer for this production. **

BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM
- OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKERS ONLY.
- Films must be UNDER 20 minutes.
- Deaffest welcomes all genres, such as action, comedy, horror, romance, etc.
** Please note: at least one D/deaf individual MUST have undertaken the role of Producer, Director, or Writer for this production. **

BEST DOCUMENTARY
- OPEN TO UK AND INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKERS.
- Do you have an insightful factual report on a specific subject? Deaffest is looking for films that showcase your passion! Your documentary can include interviews and creative visuals that bring your story to life.
** Please note: at least one D/deaf individual MUST have undertaken the role of Producer, Director, or Writer for this production. **

BEST ARTISTIC SHORT FILM
- OPEN TO UK AND INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKERS.
- Deaffest welcomes experimental films under 20 minutes.
- Submissions may include animation, music videos, and films featuring special effects, or other innovative works that challenge traditional filmmaking conventions.
** Please note: at least one D/deaf individual MUST have undertaken the role of Producer, Director, or Writer for this production. **

BEST TELEVISION PROGRAMME
- OPEN TO UK AND INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKERS.
- Deaffest welcomes television programmes that showcase outstanding storytelling, production, and audience engagement through: gripping TV dramas, dynamic magazine-style shows, and innovative entertainment programme. Demonstrating creativity, originality, and a strong connection with viewers is key.
- If you have a series, please submit your best episode.
** Please note: at least one D/deaf individual MUST have undertaken the role of Producer, Director, or Writer for this production. **

BEST DIRECTOR
- Recognition for a D/deaf Director who has exceptional leadership and vision in film/TV, displaying master storytelling, actor guidance, and collaboration to bring scripts to life. Celebrating innovation and creativity in shaping compelling narratives based on the submitted film.

BEST SCREENWRITER - (Film & TV Drama categories only)
- Recognition for a D/deaf Screenwriter who is excellent at storytelling, this category honours screenwriters who bring compelling narratives to life in film and television dramas. We particularly encourage submissions from D/deaf Writers, highlighting diversity in Sign Language and unique perspectives that enrich the art of screenwriting.

BEST ACTOR
- Recognition for an outstanding leading performance for a male D/deaf Actor that showcases exceptional talent, depth, and impact, celebrating the art of storytelling and character embodiment on screen.

BEST ACTRESS
- Recognition for an outstanding leading performance for a female D/deaf Actor that showcases exceptional talent, depth, and impact, celebrating the art of storytelling and character embodiment on screen.

BEST PRESENTER - (Television & Documentary categories only)
- Recognition for a D/deaf Presenter’s ability to engage audiences with authenticity, clarity, and charisma. This submission highlights their skill in bringing stories to life across television and documentary formats. (This must be submitted by the Production company, NOT individuals).

Rules & Terms

- We accept UK and International film submissions. Please check the category’s criteria, to ensure your film is eligible before you submit it.

- Deaffest welcomes films produced and completed FROM 1st January 2024 onwards.

- Deaffest supports D/deaf media professionals by showcasing their productions at the festival, ensuring they receive equal recognition for their work. To further advocate D/deaf filmmakers, the festival requires substantial D/deaf representation in the submissions.
** This means a significant number of the cast/crew involved in the production must be D/deaf for your submission to be eligible. If you are unsure about meeting these criteria, please contact us for clarification. **

- To qualify for the Award nominations for Best ‘Director’, ‘Screenwriter’, ‘Actor’, ‘Actress’, and ‘Presenter’, the nominee must be D/deaf to be entered into this category.

- To qualify for the Award nominations for; Best 'Film', 'UK Short Film’, ‘International Short Film’, and ‘Documentary', the criteria requires at least ONE of the roles to be filled by a D/deaf person. The roles include: Producer, Director and/or Writer.

- If you have missed the ‘Early-bird submission deadline, your entry will now fall under the ‘Regular Deadline’ period. This applies to ‘Last Call Deadline’ period.
During this period, submission fees apply. You must pay the appropriate fee for each film category you wish to enter, including Best Film, Best UK Short Film, Best International Short Film, Best Documentary, Best Television Programme, and Best Artistic Short Film. If you submit your film to more than one of these categories, a separate fee is required for each.
Submissions to the free categories (Best Director, Best Screenwriter, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Presenter) are only valid if your film has been officially entered into the festival and the applicable submission fee has been paid for at lease one of the main film categories listed above.
We will not accept entries to the free categories if your film is not submitted, and paid for, in the main category. Any free category submissions without a qualifying film entry will be automatically disqualified.

- Films must be submitted in high-definition and feature embedded English subtitles. Submissions without English subtitles will be rejected.

- Deaffest is unable to return any film submission materials, with the exception of hard drives, which will only be returned upon request (incurring postage and administration charges). Alternatively, arrangements for you to collect your hard drive at Deaffest weekend (8th - 10th May 2026) can be made. If you wish to do this, you must email media@deaffest.co.uk BEFORE the festival.

- If you wish to withdraw your submission, please contact Deaffest as soon as possible. All fees are non-refundable. Penalty charges will apply.

- Submissions for the Film & TV Awards will be selected based on script, cinematography, structure, characters, entertainment value, and overall quality.

- If your submission is not shortlisted for the Film & TV Awards, Deaffest retains the right to screen the film in the non-competition category.

- Deaffest retains the right to not accept submissions deemed unsuitable for the festival.

- If your submission is not suitable for daytime screening, it may be shown at a later time and will include an over 18 age restriction.

- Your submission will NOT be accepted if this form has not been completed.

- Certificates (nominees and winners) and awards (winners only) will be available for collection during the Film & TV Awards Gala on Saturday 9th May 2026. A member of the Deaffest team will be in touch to confirm the arrangements with you.

- If nominated, your presence will be a valuable addition to the 10th Film & TV Awards Gala, where you can celebrate your achievements and network with your fellow nominees. In the unfortunate event that you cannot attend, you must inform us of who will be able to collect the award on your behalf prior to the festival.

- Postage and administration fees will apply for certificates/awards that are not collected at the festival.

- Nominees for the Film & TV Awards will receive ONE complimentary ticket each (regardless of how many nominations they have received).

- Due to the high volume of submissions, Deaffest will not be able to provide individual feedback.

- The Judges' decisions are final.

2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • MJ Kiego

    I thoroughly enjoyed attending this festival, and meeting many other talented filmmakers from the world. The team behind this festival are also amazing and dedicated. Big hand waves!

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • aram atkinson

    Our film premiered at Deaffest; we had an incredible reception, the staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful, and the workshops the next day were great. Accessibility was also perfect with both signing and spoken English for D/deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing attendees. Will definitely come again!

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Aram,

    Thank you for your kind words. We are very proud and honoured to have screened your wonderful work at Deaffest as part of our premiere screenings.

    It was a pleasure to showcase your film, and we look forward to warmly welcoming you back to future festivals.

    Wishing you every success in the future, and please take care.

    Best wishes,
    Deaffest