Author: Disabled world
Published: 2024/03/13
Post type: Announcement, Notification
Content: Summary – Major – Related Posts
Synopsis: SignLight Inc., will launch the inaugural SignLight International Film Festival, the world’s largest gathering of deaf and hard of hearing film and television talent, in Hollywood April 16-20, 2024. The SignLight International Film Festival (SIFF ) offers a variety of best practices and models of success for both the industry and the deaf community, paving the way for studios and filmmakers to realize their visions of inclusion and access, a business imperative in today’s industry. According to the National Center for the Deaf, 3.6% of the U.S. population, or 11 million people, are deaf or have significant hearing difficulties.
Main summary
Hollywood celebrities are turning out to support the inaugural SignLight International Film Festival (SIFF), where, for the first time, seasoned deaf filmmakers and up-and-coming deaf creatives from around the world will showcase their work at the heart of the entertainment industry, in a a time when studios are looking for more diverse talent and authentic storytelling.
Launched by award-winning actor, director and producer CJ Jones, SIFF offers a range of best practices and models of success for both the industry and the deaf community, paving the way for studios and filmmakers to realize their visions of inclusion and access, a business. imperative in today’s industry. Jones runs the five-day festival under the banner of SignLight Inc., the nonprofit professional entertainment training subsidiary of his production company SignWorld Studios.
Aligning with Jones to galvanize Hollywood through the star-studded festival are luminaries such as Troy Kotsur, Deanne Bray, Marlee Matlin, Millicent Simmonds, Rosie O’Donnell, Andreas Deja, Shoshanna Stern, Nyle DiMarco, Shaylee Mansfield, Keivonn Woodard, Craig Mazin. and more. The event will also feature a performance by American Sign Language (ASL) hip hop star Matt Maxey, also known as Deafinitely Dope.
The groundbreaking event, which will take place at the Pacific Design Center from April 16-20, will kick off with a VIP reception and screening and culminate with a star-studded red carpet and gala awards ceremony. In addition to open-captioned screenings, SIFF’s programming tracks, which cover the industry’s best approaches behind and in front of the camera and share models of success, include performances; presentation sessions, panels; Workshops; round tables; exhibition stands; VIP receptions; creation of industrial networks; live performances by deaf dancers, song/sign performers; and family activities.
SIFF has been made possible through the generous support of sponsors Sony Pictures Entertainment; The Ford Foundation; Sorenson Communications, Easterseals of Southern California; NBCU LAUNCH (NBCUniversal); HBO; Gallaudet University; and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.
Jones said;
“Too often, hearing people misappropriate the stories and roles of deaf people, only to seek their help in creating a facsimile of their lives. Authentic representation requires authentic participation both behind and in front of the camera. Our festival offers the industry a ‘playbook’ illustrating models of successful deaf/hearing creative collaborations, best practices, innovative deaf/hearing communication solutions, and a contact list of the world’s best deaf talent.” .
SIFF, which has attracted attendees from around the world and will convene every two years, received 195 nominations from 43 countries, of which 62 nominations for deaf filmmakers/actors and 32 films were selected in 13 competitive categories: Best Feature Film, Best Actor , Best Actress, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Photography, Best Editing, Best Short Film, Best Documentary Feature Film, Best Documentary Short Film, Best TV Episode, Best Animation and Best Student Film. In addition to a Special Merit award.
Sorenson Communications, a global telecommunications company serving deaf communities around the world, will provide on-demand interpretation services for personal devices.
According to the National Center for the Deaf, 3.6% of the U.S. population, or 11 million people, are deaf or have significant hearing difficulties.
Worldwide, there are 466 million people with disabling hearing loss (World Health Organization), of whom 70 million use one or more of more than 200 sign languages (World Federation of the Deaf).
A 2022 study, conducted by a National Research Group in partnership with Deaf Theater West, found that “63% of deaf consumers say movies and shows featuring deaf characters use negative images of the community.” while “76% of Deaf people believe that the way their community is portrayed in fiction influences how they are perceived in daily life, shaping attitudes and calcifying prejudices.”
Festival associations
BSL zone; Cal State Long Beach; Cal State Northridge; College of the Canyons; Riverside CDS; Code for deaf children; Easterseals Disability Film Challenge; El Camino School; Film Festival Alliance; Indie movies; Front Row Movies; Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness; International Documentary Association; The Jim Henson Company; Lights! Camera! Access!; Nickelodeon; Pierce University; Free ASL; ReelAbilities Film Festival; Women in Animation; The Writers Guild Foundation.
For more information: https://www.signlightff.org
Purchase tickets: https://www.signlightff.org/tickets
Enhance the careers of deaf filmmakers by donating: https://givebutter.com/signlightff
SignLight Inc. and SignWorld Studios
SignLight is the non-profit arm of SignWorld Studios (SWS), a deaf-owned and operated production company that strives to reach the world’s 466 million people, members of the deaf and hard of hearing community and their friends, providing Sign Entertainment programming in languages for deaf and hearing people alike, including native languages other than ASL. SWS’ mission is to create innovative and entertaining sign language programming accessible to viewers across the demographic spectrum and around the world. SWS was founded in 2020 by award-winning actor, writer, producer and deaf activist CJ Jones (Avatar: The Way of Water, CODA, Baby Driver). In addition to his high-profile roles on stage, television and film, Jones created the fictional Na’vi underwater sign language for James Cameron’s second Avatar film and will soon begin work on the third. Jones is one of seven children of deaf parents. He lost his hearing at age 7 due to spinal meningitis.
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