Deaf Way Film Festival 2025 program available now

Deaf Way Film Festival (DWFF) has announced the program and film selections for its first-ever event in October. The festival will feature 23 movies, including 7 feature films and 16 short films.

Each production involves deaf and hard of hearing filmmakers, actors, or crew members. 11 of the 23 films are international productions created outside the United States.

“We are so excited to share a program of films that highlight the work of Deaf creatives from all over the world, both behind the camera and in front of it,” says Andrea Passafiume, DWFF Co-Chair and Director of Programming. “Deaf Way will bring an entertaining blend of features and shorts with a diverse blend of storytelling that explores the Deaf experience across genres.”

The event will also include panel discussions with filmmakers, social events for attendees, and networking events for industry professionals.

Weekend passes, day passes, and single tickets for Deaf Way Film Festival are available now. Buy yours before September 1 to take advantage of Early Bird pricing!

Opening Night

The festival will kick off on Thursday, October 16 with a special screening of Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore. The powerful documentary is directed by Gallaudet alum Shoshannah Stern, ’05. Stern takes unprecedented dive into the life and career of Marlee Matlin, H-’87, the first Deaf person to win an Academy Award®.

Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore has received rave reviews since premiering at Sundance Film Festival back in January. We’re excited to bring it to Deaf Way!

Before the screening, ticket-holders will have the opportunity to grab a bite from local food trucks and mingle. At the end of the night, industry professionals will enjoy a networking event.

Friday: A Full Day of Films and Panels

Attendees will be treated to a satisfying day of entertainment on Friday, October 17, with a short film program in the morning, followed by two feature films in the afternoon and evening.

The afternoon feature, Loud Love, follows Alan and Brian, a Deaf gay couple in New York, as they raise their spirited hearing twins after a seven-year surrogacy journey. The film captures a decade of parenting across cultures, languages, and expectations while exploring Deaf identity and family dynamics.

The evening presentation, Siren: The Voices of Shelley Beattie, will spotlight an underrecognized Deaf icon. Shelley Beattie, known as Siren on the TV show “American Gladiators”, was also a proud Deaf woman. This riveting documentary unpacks the fascinating story of Beattie and her complex legacy entwined with beauty, mental illness, and love.

Saturday: Panels, Screenings, and Awards

Saturday, October 18 will feature another day of incredible movies. First, a short film program will spotlight the diversity of deaf and hard of hearing perspectives. Then, viewers will experience Hong Kong through the eyes of young Deaf people in The Way We Talk.

In the evening, DWFF will host an awards ceremony to honor the best and most celebrated films of the festival.

Sunday: Open to the Public, No Tickets Needed

Sunday’s festivities will be open to all! Stay tuned for more information about the day’s schedule, which will focus on fun, light-hearted films and activities.

Must-See Movie Fun

Deaf Way Film Festival is a must-see event featuring some of the world’s brightest deaf and hard of hearing artists. It marks the first event of the new Deaf Way format, which will see different themed festivals hosted at Gallaudet every two years.

“The festival is not just about watching and experiencing films together. It’s an opportunity to build community and explore Gallaudet University’s cultural offerings!” says Tabitha Jacques, Gallaudet Director of Arts, Culture, and Experience.

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To stay up to date with Deaf Way Film Festival, follow Deaf Way Festival on Instagram and Facebook. The festival website will also be updated with the latest information as it’s announced.