Deaf Way Film Festival

Over four days (October 16-October 19, 2025), Gallaudet University will be hosting the Deaf Way Film Festival to spotlight and celebrate productions created by deaf* filmmakers and deaf professionals in the film industry. The festival will be open to the public, including those who do not know about deaf culture or use American Sign Language. More information about tickets will be forthcoming.

*The deaf community is defined as Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and hard of hearing.

Festival Schedule Overview

Join us for an exciting and inspiring weekend celebrating Deaf culture, film, and community. Below is a summary of our planned events. Please note that the schedule is subject to change, and full details will be confirmed after film selections are finalized.

All screenings and panels will take place at Elstad Auditorium. Pre-event and networking gatherings will be hosted at venues to be announced soon.

Thursday, October 16 – Opening Day

Kick off the festival with a pre-event panel featuring the founders of Deaf Culture Festival, followed by food trucks and social time.  The evening continues with a special feature film screening, and concludes with a lively networking event for industry pass holders.

Friday, October 17 – Full Festival Day

This full festival day features multiple film screenings, panels, and opportunities to explore the festival’s immersive experiences. The evening wraps up with social time on your own.

Saturday, October 18 – Panels, Screenings, and Awards

Start the day with a thought-provoking panel discussion, followed by screenings and opportunities to engage with immersive experiences during breaks. In the evening, gather for the highly anticipated Awards Ceremony, followed by social time on your own to celebrate the weekend’s highlights.

Sunday, October 19 – Farewell Brunch

Enjoy a free screening of pocket documentaries, open to all attendees. For filmmakers and industry professionals, the festival concludes with a networking brunch—an ideal opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and wrap up the weekend.

Tickets/Passes

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Deaf culture, storytelling, and community. The Deaf Way Film Festival offers more than just films—it’s a vibrant celebration of Deaf culture and history woven throughout the Gallaudet University campus. With your pass, you’ll gain access to film screenings and a powerful lineup of experiences, including the We, Native Deaf People, Are Still Here! exhibition in Chapel Hall; the exhibitions at College Hall, featuring Gallaudet at 150 and Beyond; acclaimed deaf artist Nancy Rourke’s solo show featured at the Linda K. Jordan gallery at the Washburn Arts Center; and the striking student-created murals in the Hanson Plaza Tunnel. You’ll also be invited to contribute to a community chalk mural, enjoy dynamic video projections, and explore a variety of immersive on-campus experiences—all celebrating the creativity and stories of the Deaf community.

You will be able to request accommodations when you buy your pass.

If you have any issues purchasing your pass, please email us at Click to reveal email   We are here to help!

Buy Your Pass!

Through August 1, 2025: Early Bird.  Don’t miss your chance to save!
August 2-October 13, 2025: Regular price
October 13, 2025: Last day to buy passes  

Industry Pass | $200 Early Bird | $250 Regular Price

Your Industry Pass grants you full access to festival screenings, engaging panels, exclusive networking events with fellow industry professionals, and a seat at the prestigious awards ceremony.

All-Access Pass | $150 Early Bird Price | $200 Regular Price

Your All-Access Pass grants you full access to festival screenings, engaging panels, and a seat at the prestigious awards ceremony. Please note: this pass does not include access to exclusive networking events reserved for industry professionals.

Thursday Pass | $50 Early Bird Price | Regular Price: $65

Enjoy a feature screening at the Deaf Way Film Festival on Thursday evening with this pass.

Please note: the Thursday Evening Pass does not include access to networking events.

Friday Pass | $75 for Early Bird Price | $90 Regular Price
Enjoy a full day of Deaf Way Film Festival screenings and engaging panels on Friday with this pass.

Saturday Pass | $100 for Early Bird Price | $115 Regular Price

Enjoy a full day of Deaf Way Film Festival screenings, engaging panels, and a seat at the prestigious awards ceremony on Saturday with this pass.

Travel

Gallaudet University is located in the Northeast quadrant of Washington, D.C., adjacent to the vibrant neighborhoods of NoMa and the Union Market District. The Union Market District serves as a culinary and cultural epicenter, offering a diverse array of artisanal foods, beverages, and unique shopping experiences. 

Airports

There are three major airports in the Washington, D.C. region: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located just 15 minutes from downtown DC; Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD); and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

Train or Bus Travel

Traveling by train or bus to and from DC is easy and often affordable.  

For trains, Amtrak has frequent daily departures from major cities throughout the Northeast, Southeast, and even Chicago.

For buses, choose between Greyhound and Megabus and get off at Union Station.

From Union Station, you can easily reach Gallaudet University via Metro or a short taxi/rideshare.

Driving and Parking

If you choose to drive, Gallaudet University offers limited parking options on campus.

Lodging

Washington, D.C. offers a wide range of lodging options, but if you’re looking to stay just steps from Gallaudet University, here are some top hotel picks that combine comfort, convenience, and easy access to the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.

• Kellogg Conference Hotel (on-campus hotel) 
• Marriott Courtyard
• Hyatt Place Washington DC/U.S. Capitol
• Hampton Inn Washington DC NoMa Union Station
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC NoMa Union Station
• Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol
• The Morrow
• Hotel Nell
• CitizenM Washington DC NoMa