Synopisis: It is based on two different Deaf people attending the festival, one a visitor, and one a reporter. They highlight the best parts of the festival whilst making it funny to watch as they engage with different comedians/actors and then each other. Director - Rosie Benn Rosie is a 23-year-old director who was born in London and raised in a small town near Brighton. Her first interest in the media world came when she attended various Deaf theatre workshops when she was little. Her love of acting grew as she acted in various short films with her sister and friends. This is also where her love of filming came from and she developed this interest via her media course in school. She decided to continue with it through college and then university. She attended the University of Wolverhampton, studying Video and Film Production, where she recieved First Class Honours for excelling in the subjects she was passionate about: experimental films and directing in general. She has been nominated several times for her creative films. One notable one is for 'Best Student Short' at the Royal Television Society Midlands awards. Whilst studying at university, she simultaneously worked on various projects such as; presenting for a children's TV series, Up For It, graphic design for BSLBT and helping out Deaffest by editing and filming projects and events. One of them was a 72-hour film challenge, where Rosie took on the challenge as a director. She directed a small crew throughout the whole weekend and, although many difficulties arose, they stuck together, overcame them and were successful as they beat the challenge. After University, Rosie worked on BBC See Hear, a long-running magazine TV programme for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, for over a year as a Researcher and TV presenter whilst working on small projects at the same time. Now Rosie is freelancing and is working on various projects. She is enthusiastic and excited to see what projects and challenges await her in the future."
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Synopsis: Witness the bitter end of a deaf couple’s silent dispute, and the sweet beginnings of an auteur director plummeting in love with his amateur star. Director - Kobus Lowu At the age of 19, Kobus moved to South Africa, from Namibia, in pursuit of his dream to direct and produce films. His very first student film left his audience emotionally impacted and in dead silence. Ever since that day, Kobus was hooked, and dedicated his life to telling emotionally impactful stories with meaning. After graduating with his BFA in filmmaking at AFDA, Kobus moved to Hollywood. Kobus received his MFA in screenwriting at New York Film Academy and has won numerous awards and held festival screenings of his short films.
Synopsis: How would you explain your favorite song to a person who is deaf? Tempo is a short film about a young man named Jason who is facing a world full of hearing people who refuse to see him as anything but deaf. As the film progresses Jason must battle against family, friends, and coworkers to try and achieve his dream; but at what cost? Director - Oscar Michel From Mexico City, Oscar Michel was born in February 20th, 1994. He graduated with a degree in Entertainment Business Management from Universidad Anáhuac México Norte, generation 2012-2016. Graduated from Film Production by Vancouver Film School with specialties in Directing and Cinematography, he has generated work experience by hosting a press in Ocesa and community manager of various commercial brands and public figures. His hobbies are photography, reading books, going to concerts and music. The first time he saw Birdman, he felt inspired to be a filmmaker and decided to do what once he thought was just a pastime. Among the people who inspire him are his brother Oscar Andrés, Alfonso Cuarón, Quentin Tarantino, Emmanuel Lubezki, Rodrigo Prieto, Roger Deakins, Christopher Nolan, Stanley Kubrick, Damon Albarn and Joe Strummer. SPECIAL SCREENING Screening on November 4th at 7:30pm FESTIVAL DATES: FESTIVAL: November 4th and 5th FESTIVAL PROGRAM Saturday, November 4 3pm - Screening Opening: TSWY Film Series Domestic Violence A Suicidal Matter Love Wins DUI Be-YOU-tiful Sense The Crackdown How To... Impetus 5:30 - Filmmakers Panel with Q&A Section Confirmed Panelists: Host: Katia Belas - Producer/Creator/Director - The Strength Within You Film Series Bob Hiltermann - Actor/Director - Best known for his work on the starting of Deaf West Theatre, Oscar Winning Film "Children of a Lesser God" and TV Show "All My Children" Trudy Sargent - Award Winner Director - Be-YOU-tiful Danny Blair - Exec Producer - Found on South Street Nathan Alan Thomas - Director - Body Language Rory Dering - Director - Pittsburgh Isaiah Moore - Director / Kelse Whitfield - Producer - Mute Colin Campbell - Director/ Producer - The Sound of Fear More Filmmakers Panelists to be announced 7:30 - Screening (*PG, strong graphic exposure of blood and wounds) Special Screening: Dawn of the Deaf Found on South Street Sunday, November 5 3pm - Screening The Quiet Ones Pittsburgh The Deaf and Dumb Mute Sound of Fear Body Language Crushed (all films participating for competition are eligible for Audience Award) Audience attending this screening is welcome to vote. Special: Pre-view of "Talk to the Hands" 7pm - VIP Reception, Red-Carpet & Award Ceremony (Red carpet, Award distribution, filmmakers network and Special Celebrity Guests) (hors d'oeuvre will be served) **The festival will be video hosted by Tommy Korn ***The VIP Reception will be hosted by Lindsay Kate Screening Locations: GLAD 2222 Laverna Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90041 **Locations are subject to change "Looking for a way to pitch your idea for a television show or movie? iPITCH.TV offers a next generation platform for creators of original pitches for TV, Film & Digital Media to connect directly with Hollywood Producers and Studio Executives and gives creators industry pro advice on how to pitch a television show or feature film. Pitch your idea for a Movie, Screenplay, Television Show, Short Film, New Media Project and more." THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT If you are a woman crew member who would like to join the Women In Media Crew list and get help finding more work email [email protected] or go to the website: https://www.womennmedia.com/ for more details
Synopsis: When a strange sound infects the hearing population, a group of Deaf people must band together to survive.
Director: Robert Savage - is a multi-award winning writer/director and Screen International Star of Tomorrow, working in features, television and commercials. He wrote, directed, shot, co-produced and edited micro-budget feature film Strings at age 17, which has screened at a number of prestigious International Festivals around the world, including the Rome Film Festival for its premiere. The film was acquired for release by Vertigo Films and won the Discovery Award at the British Independent Film Awards. Rob is a Berlinale Talents and Edinburgh Talent Campus alumnus and has won a number of awards for his short films at festivals including the London Short Film Festival, Raindance and Sitges and was the recipient of the BFI Future Film Award 2011. Ron's latest film, "Dawn of the Deaf", has played at almost 100 film festivals worldwide, including the Sundance Film Festival and Oscar-Qualifier Sitges, where it won the Melies D'argent for Best Short. Rob is currently working on his second feature film, psychological horror "Seaholme", developed with Salon Pictures on the BFI/BBC/Creative England iFeatures scheme. Synopsis: The story begins in a bustling café. The sound of chatter fills the air. We see that everyone has a number floating above their heads. As we flit in and out of conversations we come to realize that the numbers are ticking down with each word uttered. We focus our attention on a man that has run out of words completely. He sits alone and despondent. A deaf girl with an extremely large number above her head notices and approaches him. She teaches him how to sign his name in American Sign Language and introduces him to her friends, who accept him as one of their own.
Director: Isaiah J. Moore - is a deaf director and writer. However, his first language is American Sign Language rather than English. He is a student recently graduated from San Diego State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Television, Film and New Media. "I have learned so much from working on the films with diverse casts and crews," he writes. He is always trying to improve his communication skills. He writes, "It does not matter that I am deaf. I strive to do my best every day. I do not hesitate to do what is needed to make a project successful. I am very proud of my accomplishments." Synopsis: A couple’s celebration goes away when their paths cross with the town’s main attraction. Sometimes fate throws twists and turns that leave you crushed.
Director: Jay Kowalczyk - hail from North California and he is graduated from Gallaudet University with a major in Social Work. But life had other plans in store for him. He is currently working for Convo Communications as a Creative Director for 5 years leading the creative marketing's team by providing a fresh, new perspective in Convo’s marketing and film campaigns. Synopsis: A teacher at a Deaf boarding school is brutally murdered and the suspects have been narrowed down to four students. Can Detective Clarke and psychologist Dr Barton reveal the murderer’s identity before it's too late? Which one of the students is a cold blooded killer? It's always The Quiet Ones.
Director: Teresa Garratty - is an award wining deaf film maker and has been awarded two film funds. The first was for her debut as writer/director (Admit None) and her second was for her most current film (The Quiet Ones), which has been shown at over 10 festivals around the world. The Quiet Ones has enjoyed a lot of festival success with nominations and an award for best film of the year. Teresa has been invited to attend a selection of theses international festivals, where she has given Q&A sessions about the film and talks on film making in general. She is currently developing her next film proposal as well as continuing to work within the film industry and deaf community. Synopsis: IVY, a young Deaf woman runs through an empty resort town, hunted by killers. It’s up to Ivy to save a little girl. But how will they stay alive if they can’t even understand each other?
Director: Colin Campbell is a writer and director for theater and film. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his short film, Seraglio. Seraglio also won Deauville’s Grand Prix and ran on HBO. His recent short film, Girl At The Door, played at numerous festivals, and has received write-ups on Dread Central (“Brilliant”) and Brutal As Hell (“excellent escalating sense of unease… Campbell shows real flair”), and was nominated for a 2013 Fright Meter Ward. He directed the feature filmGuido, starring Billy Zane, Armand Assante, Gary Busey and Lupe Ontiveros, which premiered on FilmOn.com. His production of The Ballad of Ricardo Flores Magon at the Ford Theater was filmed and broadcast by KCET TV. His production of Variedades on OlveraStreet will be broadcast on KCET TV in the fall of 2017. His production of his play, Golden Prospects was nominated for five LA Weekly awards and was Critic’s Pick in TimeOut NY, LA Times and LA Weekly. His supernatural horror screenplay, Harrow Lake was chosen for Film Independent’s Screenwriters Lab and was optioned by Paranormal Media. His supernatural horror screenplay, The Hive, was optioned by Dean Goodhill. Colin regularly writes and directs for Instant Films, where he’s won Best Writer, Best Director and numerous Best Film Awards. He has taught Theater and/or Filmmaking at Chapman University, Loyola Marymount University, Cal Poly Pomona University, Relativity Education, and to incarcerated youth through The Unusual Suspects. Colin is currently seeking funding for his thriller feature film The Sound Of Fear. He shot a short teaser for his film which is currently playing at film festivals and just won Best Score at the LA Cinema Festival of Hollywood. Synopsis: Brett and his closeted lover Alex struggle with whether or not to continue with their tumultuous relationship.
Director: Rory Dering - (No biography available) Synopsis: A man dealing with the infidelity of his wife, journeys into unfamiliar territory and finds himself, ironically, in a similar situation.
Director: Nathan Alan Thomas - was raised in a small town outside of Mobile, Alabama. He is 27 years old and lives in Baton Rouge with his Girlfriend and Son. He was raised into a kind, film loving family giving him a passion for story telling as well as filmmaking. As of 2017 Nathan has had multiple international selections as well as some additional Louisiana selections. Nathan finished writing Body Language in march of 2016. With the help of great friends and family he was able to start production by early April. The challenge of making a deaf film was exciting to him as well as the opportunity to learn more about the Deaf community in Louisiana. What he discovered was a life changing experience that he will cherish for the rest of his life. Synopsis: In this first produced mini-episode, James has put toast under the grill and forgotten about it. We also introduce the concept of the UK hospital service not being very deaf aware (by them insisting that deaf people call up to confirm that interpreters are needed). Also introduces the neighbour, Sam, who is completely ignorant regarding deafness.
Director: Dean Kamitsis: Dean is passionate about Equality. Born hearing, Dean became deafened as he entered adulthood and quickly went from a mild hearing loss to a severe one. Whilst doing his foundation degree at UCLan in 2016, Dean found his passion for all things film-making; whether it be for fun or volunteering his skills in the community to winning the UCLan J&MP Media Foundation Year School Prize during his first year. Dean is a scriptwriter, film maker, participant in the BSL Zone 'Found in Love' documentary and not forgetting the creator of The Deaf and Dumb Film, due to be shown at a film festival in Los Angeles in November 2017. Synopsis: The story of Irina, a deaf woman harboring a deep grudge against herself while trapped in a parallel world. Growing up as an outcast, all she wants to do is be happy and fit in, but it is impossible with who she is and where she lives... so when Irina suddenly finds herself in a different, hearing body, in a different gender, where all the rules have been reversed, she realizes she has a second chance to fix all the wrongs in her life.
Director: Martina Bell - was born deaf and raised in Chicago, Illinois. At an early age, she developed her interest in acting after she was inspired by watching the famous actress, Katharine Hepburn, in her classic features. She registered to Illinois School for the Deaf to begin acting in Tiger Theater, reestablished during her junior year. There, she acted in many plays, including "Anne of the Green Gable" in which she played the main role of Diana. She later enrolled in Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where she earned a bachelor of Fine Art degree in Graphic Design. During this time period, she has been involved in numerous plays, including "A Raisin in the Sun" in which she played the supporting role of Beneatha in NYC, off-broadway. Bell moved to California to pursue an acting career in film and television. Since then, she has been involved in independent films and television such as "Titus", "Dark Thinker", and "Switched at Birth" (ABC Family). She landed the lead role of Sofie in the short film, “Sofie.” Sofie had been selected by the top black film festival, San Francisco Black Film Festival. “Sofie” won the best short film. It is currently in the festival circuit since late spring 2017. Also, she has played the featured role of Jenny Z. in the upcoming feature, “First Crime Out.” She signed on to play a role in next feature, Harmatia in pre-production. She is fascinated in working behind the camera and has been working on a few scripts to develop them for filming. She is the co-founder of Imageshade films, which produces work such as "Bum Rush" (Los Angeles CineFest), and "Longshot" (Empire Inland Film Festival). For her directorial debut, she has directed and acted in a thriller short film titled, "The Loved Ones" (Seattle Deaf Film Festival). She is enthralled with acting and she never stops being inspired to forge a new path of film-making and design through art and movies. |
2019
In Alphabetical Order: Honor Crimes Miles In Love Our Basketball Dream Over The Pain Return Flight Romance Routine Silent Ruin The Matter At Hand TSWY-A Culture of Silence Special Feature: The Silent Natural In Alphabetical Order:
Awkward Silence Eye of the Beholder Hedy and Heidi:The Lost Sister Greta, My Love Oh, Sugar! Relationshit Sign - A Silent Film Talk to the Hands - A Prologue Tempo Telltale Signs This is Ed!! White Noise Wild Prairie Rose 2017
Festival Information List of Winners Body Language Crushed Dawn of the Deaf Deaf and Dumb Found on South Street How to... Impetus Mute Pittsburgh Sense The Crackdown The Quiet Ones The Sound of Fear |