This year Christchurch will host the 5th Deaf Short Festival where talented Deaf film makers have the opportunity to bring to life their reflections of their unique culture onto the big screen.

The Deaf Short Film Festival is held every two years and started in 2004.

This years Icon is the New Zealand Tomato Sauce.  This means that filmmakers must ensure that during their seven minute film a “New Zealand tomato sauce bottle” is in shot, and organisers expect there to be some interesting and creative uses of this staple Kiwi condiment.

Major prizes will be awarded for the Best Director, Actress, Actor, Original Story, Cinematography, Editing, Deaf Short Film runner-Up and Best NZ Deaf Film and the Audience Choice.

Entry deadline for films was Friday 4th March 2011.

The Festival includes:

Film Workshop - Friday 6th May

Silent Shout - 7pm, Friday 6th May, Silk Room, Addington Raceway

Performance by the internationally renowned rapper "Signmark"

Film Screenings of the 5th Deaf Short Film Festival - Saturday 7th May

Awards Dinner - 5pm Saturday 7th May (ticket entry only), Silk Room, Addington Raceway

More information on these events, the Festival Programme, ticket prices and contact details can be found on the Festival Programme and flyer

A new venue has been found for both Friday night (Signmark) and Saturday night (Awards Dinner) - The Silk Room @ Addington Raceways! Deadline for package tickets is 15th April; deadline for dinner tickets is also 15th April.

Youths are welcome to attend Signmark - $30 age 0-17 years old.   Package deals for Youth to be announce soon.

For more information email to deaffilm@deaf.org.nz  - see you all there!