Lives in Sign Language 15

Curated by London Short Film Festival's young Deaf programmer Zoë McWhinney, we present a fresh selection of contemporary short films foregrounding the richness of D/deaf culture and experience, including this year’s Academy Award winner for Best Short Film, The Silent Child. These shorts span genres - from comedy, romance, horror - to bring the stories of D/deaf characters to the screen in a space inclusive for all, but tailored specifically to the needs of D/deaf cinema-goers.

All films will include BSL dialogue and/or subtitles, and additional BSL support where necessary, and the programme will be introduced on screen by programmer Zoë McWhinney.

BSL and English/HoH subtitles

Surreal comedy. Born without the ability of sight, sound, smell, touch or taste, Gene has become afraid of the world. But when he finds an experimental kit that will give him human senses for the first time, the only thing he needs to worry about is his selfish roommate, Richard.

BSL and English subtitles

Drama. Centring on a profoundly Deaf four year old girl, Libby, who is born into a middle class family and lives in a world of silence until a caring social worker teaches her the gift of communication.

Nominated for a 2018

Academy Award for Best Short Film

Horror. This short film follows a female student who moves into an old student house. Immediately, she notices some strange things happening in the house. Will student living ever be the same again?

Sci fi. Two friends wonder what it would be like to be the last man on Earth. Then a mysterious thing happens in the world. The main protagonist is sitting alone when there is a knock on the door. But is everything real?

English/HoH subtitles

Romance. Stolen glances and a crush from a far develop into the start of something special.

English/HoH subtitles

Romance. Loosely based on the story of Romeo & Juliet, a beautiful haunting silent film of the story of two young people from different sides of the river who will not let their differences, or their friends, keep them apart.

Winner of Best Film at Young Deaffest 2015

BSL, English subtitles

Horror. When a strange sound infects the hearing population, a small group of Deaf people must band together to survive. Officially selected at Sundance, LFF, Fright Fest, Encounters, Glasgow Short Film Festival, LSFF and more.