Talented Deaf filmmakers will bring one of the country’s official languages, New Zealand Sign Language, to the big screen during the New Zealand Deaf Short Film Festival (6-7 May 2011).

Held at Hoyts Riccarton in Christchurch, the festival will feature films shot by Deaf film-makers from throughout the country as well as an awards dinner on 7 May in the Silks Lounge at Addington Raceway.  Christchurch’s now “world famous” sign language interpreters, Jeremy and Evelyn, will be at the film festival.
 
As part of the Deaf Short Film Festival celebrations internationally renowned Danish Deaf rapper, Signmark will perform in the Addington’s Silks Lounge on Friday, 6 May.  The event will run from 8pm – midnight, with tickets  up to 17 years $30 and 18 years and older $50. 

Signmark started spreading his message in sign language over strong beats where hard, low frequencies and bass play a crucial part to his performance.  He released the world’s first sign language hip-hop DVD in 2006 and now performs a public events and tours the world, entertaining Deaf and hearing audiences alike.

The Film Festival is part of Deaf Aotearoa’s annual New Zealand Sign Language Week (2-8 May), which promotes New Zealand Sign Language as one of the country’s official languages and raises awareness about the Deaf community and its culture.

To purchase tickets to the New Zealand Deaf Short Film Festival or for further information please contact deaffilm@deaf.org.nz  or contact Jeremy on 027 254 1779.