We screen films by Deaf/Disabled filmmakers and films with a strong central Deaf/Disabled character - we have developed the 'D' system in response to Bath Film Festival's 'F' system to highlight the contributions of Disabled people. Our priority is to provide a platform for strong storytelling, highlighting the lived experiences of Deaf/Disabled people from diverse backgrounds, and the talents of community, emerging and mid-career Deaf/Disabled filmmakers.

We moved online in 2020. We now screen films via YouTube, making each programme available for 24 hours to extend access around the world. Many of our films are world or international premieres, and go on to festivals worldwide. We also collaborate to cross-programme films with other festivals.

We run live events for audiences and filmmakers on Zoom during the festival. The Festival is FREE and open to all, with support from Arts Council England. To understand more about what we are looking for in a film, see Filming Disability: A Guide for Filmmakers and Editors https://www.together2012.org.uk/resources/disability-a-guide-for-filmmakers-and-editors/

Awards & Prizes

The Kat Awards were introduced in 2019 and include Best First Film, Best Animation, Best Artist's Film, Best Dance Film, Best Drama, Best Documentary, Best Film in a Language other than English, Best Inclusion Film, Best Film Starring a Young Disabled Actor, and Lifetime Achievement. Awards may not be made in all categories each year. For the 2024 winners see: https://www.together2012.org.uk/archives-2012/2024-archive/2024-events-programme/together-2024-disability-film-festival/the-kat-awards-2024/

Rules & Terms

In order to qualify, the film must have been made by a Disabled filmmaker or Disabled-led team, and/or have a central Disabled character or be disability themed.

NB: If you are a Disabled filmmaker from anywhere in the world, or are a filmmaker based in the UK or the Global South, and you cannot afford the entry fee, please email film@together2012.org.uk for a fee waiver code.

Films must be submitted in the requested format, accompanied by a still image, link for viewing and the following information which is used in the programme if successful:

Name of film; name of director; country of origin; date completed; premiere status; length; short description; publicly available link for online viewing if available; access availability (English captions, audio-description, sign language).

Please ensure that your information is presented in the required format or your film may not be accepted. See the 2024 programmes for examples: https://www.together2012.org.uk/archives-2012/2024-archive/2024-events-programme/together-2024-disability-film-festival/
18 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Maylis Arrabit

    Congratulations on a very well curated online festival ! :)
    I am glad that Les Chaussures Rouges could be seen by new audiences and accessible online for people whom access to culture is constrainted by mutlples barriers!

    Lond live disabled led art! :)
    Maylis

    January 2026
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  • Cathy Soreny

    Thanks to the Together! team for a rewarding weekend of this online film festival. Very proud to have our film Dysfluent Journeys included in this well curated collection of diabloity focused films. So much to see and the online talks were very through provoking.

    December 2025
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  • Simon Weitzman

    We were extremely honoured to have Oliver Hellowell's first film shown for the first time at this wonderful festival. And he won the award for 'best first film'. Ju and her team are wonderful people and extremely kind. The films of the massively talented filmmakers and creatives was extraordinary. It showed that any disability is overcome by the brilliance ability of all the entrants. A true feel good experience for everyone involved. Congratulations to the team there.

    December 2025
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  • Phillip McFarland

    We were honored to be a part of this festival and to showcase our client's talents, skills, and dreams. We advocate for all people, and believe that nothing is impossible. Dream big, do bigger!

    January 2025
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  • Emma Fisher-Owen

    We absolutely loved being part of the animate section of the festival. Such great work and you could see how well curated it was as they thematically all went together very well. We really enjoyed watching the other sections of the festival.

    December 2024
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