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10th Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival and the 2nd International Conference on Deaf Cinema

Venue: Online for a limited time 
Date: 2020.10.02 - 2020.10.11
Price: Standard ticket: $65. Tickets will be available at PUTYOURSELF.in  
10th Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival and the 2nd International Conference on Deaf Cinema
 
Over the past ten years, we have continuously assembled Deaf Films all over the world. We attempt to present sign language and Deaf culture through films that tell stories of the Deaf and created by Deaf people. We do not see Deaf as disabled, but affirm that Deaf people is a community with their own language, culture and history. 
 
A decade has passed. It is time for us to review and further explore the meanings and issues of Deaf films. The 2nd International Conference on Deaf Cinema will be held concurrently with the Film Festival. Local and overseas Deaf Film Festival organizers, film workers, Deaf groups and activists will be invited to discuss and share together. 
 
10th Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival and the 2nd International Conference on Deaf Cinema will be held online. Opening Ceremony & Programme 1: Hong Kong Deaf Film and all conference sessions will be free of charge and be streaming on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/hkidff/
 
 
For programme 2 -7, tickets are available at PUTYOURSELF.in www.putyourself.in
For the 2nd International Conference on Deaf Cinema, click HERE for more details. 

 

Ticketing and screening procedures (For programme 2-7):
  1. Purchase your tickets at PUTYOURSELF.in
  2. If your booking was successful, PUTYOURSELF.in will send you the e-Ticket with QR code by email. The screening link and password will be included in the e-ticket email
  3. Open the screening link with password at the screening time
  4. The screening link and password will be valid for a double of the programme’s total duration. Please refer to the programme information for the duration marked, and enjoy the films within the session.
 
Screening schedule
2/10 (Fri) 7pm        Opening Ceremony & Programme 1: Hong Kong Deaf Film 
5/10 (Mon) 7pm     Programme 2: The Art of Sign Language (Duration: 90 minutes) BOOK NOW
7/10 (Wed) 7pm     Programme 3: Hong Kong Deaf Film 1 (Duration: 50 minutes) BOOK NOW
9/10 (Fri) 7pm        Programme 4 Hong Kong Deaf Film 2 (Duration: 70 minutes) BOOK NOW
10/10 (Sat) 2pm     Programme 5: CODA (A child of deaf adult) (Duration: 114 minutes) BOOK NOW
10/10 (Sat) 7pm     Programme 6: Deaf Funny and Stories (Duration: 106 minutes) BOOK NOW
11/10 (Sun) 7pm    Programme 7: Deaf Advocacy (Duration: 110 minutes) BOOK NOW

 

Opening Ceremony & Programme 1: Hong Kong Deaf Film (Free of charge; streaming on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hkidff/)
 
Opening Ceremony include speakers sharing, attending speakers:
Jason Wong (Main actor of The Voice Of DANCE)
Anthony Cheung (Director of Let the chips fall) 
Jeff Wong (Director of Boundless Love) 
 
 
Programme 1: Hong Kong Deaf Film
The Voice Of DANCE (Short version)
Co-directors: Chandrashekar (India), Yeung Ping Kei, Banky (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong, India | 2020 | 10’ | In Cantonese with Hong Kong Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
Voice of DANCE is a dance film about Deaf and Hearing dancers who went on a journey to search for Indian dance vocabularies while they also ran into the national commemoration of Indian national hero Gandhi’s 150th anniversary of his birth.  They were inspired to overcome adversity to follow their dreams. It is a locally-produced, multi-scenario, cross-cultural, diversity-focused and socially-inclusive film production with the participation of Hong Kong and Indian artists and the shooting scenes took place in Mumbai and New Delhi. 

 

Let the Chips Fall
Director: Anthony Cheung
Hong Kong | 2020 | 23’ | In Cantonese with Hong Kong Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
Nga Yan keeps a secret that nobody knows, not even her boyfriend Tsz Long. When she starts working in the society for a while, she does not encounter smooth sailing. She learns how to open herself. But how does she finally explain to him?

 

Boundless Love (Short version)
Director: Jeff Wong
Hong Kong | 2020 | 10’ | In Cantonese with Hong Kong Sign Language, in Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
It is a story about a Deaf (Blue) and a Hard of Hearing (Prince) meeting 2 hearing people (Lucas and Claudia), developing their love regardless of sexual orientation or hearing ability. With love, equality and acceptance, everyone can find love and honor with their courage.

 

 

Programme 2: The Art of Sign Language (Duration: 90 minutes)
Deaf Jam
Director: Judy Lieff
USA | 2012 | 70’ | In English with American Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
The film centers on the experience of Aneta Brodski, a deaf teenager living in Queens, New York, who becomes immersed in the dynamic and three-dimensional form of American Sign Language poetry. When Aneta, the Israel-born ASL poet, eventually meets Tahani, a Palestinian, oral poet, the two begin to collaborate, creating a new form of poetry that gains recognition in Deaf and hearing communities alike. 
 
Dear Hearing World
Director: Adam Docker
UK | 2019 | 4’ | In English with British Sign Language, in Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
Dear Hearing World is a short film directed by Adam Docker, based on Raymond Antrobus’ poem by the same name. The film blends deaf actress Vilma Jackson’s powerful and thought-provoking performance in British Sign Language with music and striking urban London scenes. This important work calls out ‘audio supremacy’ and asks the world to acknowledge the deaf protagonist’s defiant indignation at their treatment by the hearing world. 
 
Saying Good-bye to Cambridge Again
Director: iSigner Sign Language Culture Center
China | 2019 | 3’ | In Mandarin with Chinese Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
Deaf actor presents the poem "Saying Good-bye to Cambridge Again" in Chinese Sign Language. "Saying Good-bye to Cambridge Again" is a well-known poem in modern China written by Xu Zhimo. In the fall of 1928, the author revisited Cambridge, England for the last time, and returned to China by boat. When passing through the South China Sea, he integrated the scenery and attachment of Cambridge into his poem, expressing his sorrow of saying goodbye to Cambridge. 
 
Charm of a Maiden Singer -- Memories of the Past at Red Cliff
Director: iSigner Sign Language Culture Center
China | 2019 | 2’ | In Mandarin with Chinese Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
Deaf actor re-interprets the classic poetry of the Song dynasty "Charm of a Maiden Singer- Memories of the Past at Red Cliff" by Su Shi in Chinese Sign Language. Su Shi was a writer in the Song Dynasty. But his talent was not being appreciated and he was being removed repeatedly from his government post. He wrote a lyric of Song Ci based on the scenic surroundings of the Red Cliffs, and used Zhou Yu's deeds to contrast his own experience. Although he was very envious of Zhou Yu, he showed a carefree see through attitude. 
 
Silent Version of Water Scene 
Director: Qiao Shengxiang
China | 2018 | 11’ | In Chinese Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
No conductor, no music. Dance to the Deaf is an immersion back in  life as well as an unbridled artistic expression. We interpret life with free variation of unrestrained body movements. A strong power of art specific to deaf culture has thus been co-constructed by the silent existence and the tangible body. We are hence exposed to everything in the world more thoroughly. The film won the "Best Director Award" at the Shanghai International Deaf Film Festival, and was nominated for People’s Choice Award of The 2nd Tokyo International Deaf Film Festival. 

 

 

Programme 3: Hong Kong Deaf Film 1 (Duration: 50 minutes)
The Voice Of DANCE (World Premiere)
Co-directors: Chandrashekar (India), Yeung Ping Kei, Banky (Hong Kong)
Film Production : Beyond Bollywood
Hong Kong, India | 2020 | 50' | In Cantonese with Hong Kong Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
Voice of DANCE is a dance film about Deaf and Hearing dancers who went on a journey to search for Indian dance vocabularies while they also ran into the national commemoration of Indian national hero’s 150th anniversary of his birth.  They were inspired to overcome adversity to follow their dreams. It is a locally-produced, multi-scenario, cross-cultural, diversity-focused and socially-inclusive film production with the participation of Hong Kong and Indian artists and the shooting scenes took place in Mumbai and New Delhi.  
 

*Each Purchase of Programme 3: Hong Kong Deaf Film 1 will get a free pass on Programme 4: Hong Kong Deaf Film 2. The screening information will be included 

 
 
 
Programme 4: Hong Kong Deaf Film 2 (Duration: 70 minutes)
Boundless Love (Director’s Cut) (World Premiere)
Director: Jeff Wong
Hong Kong | 2020 | 70’ | In Cantonese with Hong Kong Sign Language, in Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
It is a story about a Deaf (Blue) and a Hard of Hearing (Prince) meeting 2 hearing people (Lucas and Claudia), developing their love regardless of sexual orientation or hearing ability. With love, equality and acceptance, everyone can find love and honor with their courage.  
 
*Each Purchase of Programme 4: Hong Kong Deaf Film 2 will get a free pass on Programme 3: Hong Kong Deaf Film 1  
 
 
 
 
Programme 5: CODA (A Child of Deaf Adult) (Duration: 114 minutes)
Bori
Director: Kim Jin-yu
South Korea | 2018 | 114’ | In Korean with Korean Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
‘I want to be Deaf.’Among the family of four, Bori is the only person who does not have a hearing disability. Just 11 years old, Bori becomes the mouth and ears of her parents and younger brother. Bori often feels like an outsider in the family, observing them speaking in sign language and oblivious to the sounds she hears. Bori goes on a journey in hope to “lose hearing” to become one of them, but ends up gaining something unexpected. 

 

 

Programme 6: Deaf Funny and Stories (Duration: 106 minutes)
Deaf Funny 5/6
Director: Charlie Swinbourne
UK | 2019 | 55’ | In English with British Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
Deaf Funny is the world's first TV comedy sketch show in sign language; it has an all-star cast of Deaf actors and comedians. 
 
 
Driver
Director: Antonio Cannata
Italy | 2018 | 20’ | In Italian with Italian Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
Tom is a young rider who is good at speed driving. He is going to be rewarded by the Boss and will replace Jonny, an ex-driver who is also good at speed driving but has been jailed in prison as someone has betrayed him. Will Tom stand up for Jonny when he is released from jail? 
 
 
Dawn of the Deaf
Director: Robert Savage
UK | 2017 | 12’ | In English with British Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
When a strange sound infects the hearing population, a small group of Deaf people must unite together to survive. 
 
 
The Pastman
Director Charlie Ainsworth
USA | 2019 | 17’ | In English with American Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
In the future, time travel is possible and it is overrun with time criminals. A government agent is assigned to travel back in time to serve to provide consolation to those who have been affected by time crime. The film is produced by "Angry Deaf People Production" which is Deaf-centric and Deaf-driven. The majority of the cast and crew are Deaf.

 

Programme 7: Deaf Advocacy (Duration: 110 minutes)
Life, Captioned
Director: Charlie Ainsworth
USA | 2019 | 4’ | No dialogue and subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
A rising Deaf filmmaker reflects on the impact his mother has on his life. Caption is deliberately not available in order to deliver reflections. It is produced by "Angry Deaf People Production" which is Deaf-centric and Deaf-driven. The majority of the cast and crew are Deaf. 
 
 
Snow Ball
Director MJ Kielbus
USA | 2019 | 2’ | In English with American Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
This short film describes the nuisance a Deaf person must endure while ordering food. It is produced by "Angry Deaf People Production" which is Deaf-centric and Deaf-driven. The majority of the cast and crew are Deaf. 
 
 
The Strength Within You – A Culture of Silence
Director: Katia Belas
USA | 2019 | 7’ | In English with American Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
The story of a woman who must make a difficult choice that will speak volumes, all while taking a vow of silence at a spiritual retreat center. 
 
 
I want to change the world
Director: Sebastian Cunliffe
UK | 2017 | 28’ | In English with British Sign Language with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
As the only BSL user in a school of over 900 pupils, Daniel has a dream: to be able to take a GCSE in British Sign Language. He embarks on a journey to meet his Deaf campaigner heroes, including Dr Paddy Ladd, David Buxton and Jen Dodds. They give him campaign tips, which he puts to use in his own campaign, with a public demonstration at Trafalgar Square. It’s a race against time as his GCSEs are fast approaching - will a GCSE in BSL be ready in time for Daniel?  
 
 
Almost
Director: Teresa Garratty
UK | 2019 | 5’ | In English with British Sign Language with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
A chance encounter between two Deaf girls sparks an unspoken connection. Everything seems so effortless, so perfect...Almost. 
 
 
Using Sign Language as a Family (My Perfect Family: The Fergusons Part 1)
Director: Attitude (www.attitudelive.com)
New Zealand | 2019 | 26’ | In English with American Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
The Fergusons are an average family of five with three of them are deaf, and NZSL is the first language for the whole family. How does this work in a busy household with two teens and a toddler? Organization "Attitude" spend a few days with the Fergusons and discover it works remarkably well. Especially for the eldest Zoe who is exploring advocating for New Zealand deaf youth. 
 
 
LOVE RUN 3.0
Director: Daniel Ha
Malaysia | 2019 | 6’ | In Chinese with Malaysian Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
[No one can choose their own birth, but we can choose how to treat others] 
 
I believe that to change society, we need to change culture. What is the definition of normal in society? That is if you are the only non-smoker when ten people are smoking, you will be identified as ‘abnormal’. What kind of culture do you want to have in society? You can choose and change. We try to understand the situation of Deaf people from all aspects. We hope that society can be full of love, and run for love all our lives. Love can change the world. 
 
[We realize that the most terrible thing is not physical defect, but the mental defect] - Daniel 
 
 
Young Chinese – Deaf Girl Monologue
Director: Liang Wan Ni, 異視異色(BIE别的)
China | 2018 | 15’ | In Chinese with Chinese Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
This is a documentary about the life and struggle of Deaf girls in China. In the film, a group of Wuhan Deaf girls rehearsed the famous "Vagina Monologue." 
 
 
Please Give Me a Piece of Blue Sky
Director: Zheng Xiaosan
China | 2020 | 15’ | In Chinese with Chinese Sign Language, with Chinese and English subtitles | Colour | HD 
 
This film is adapted from the real experience of Zhang Minghui, a deaf female barista. She was deaf since she was a child, and she was repeatedly rejected when she looked for jobs. One day, she accidentally spilled coffee on the proprietress of a coffee shop while delivering food. Instead of blaming her, the proprietress admired her quiet and focused temperament, so she asked her to help in her shop. The scent of coffee in the coffee shop reminded her of the fragrance of the traditional Chinese medicine her mother brewed for her when she was small, which inspired her to learn how to brew coffee. Minghui wishes to help more deaf people to pursue their dreams.
 
 
 
Ticket Price: $65 / $52** (For Programme 2 - 7; Per Programme)
*Each Purchase of Programme 3: Hong Kong Deaf Film 1 will get a free pass on Programme 4: Hong Kong Deaf Film 2; and 
*Each Purchase of Programme 4: Hong Kong Deaf Film 2 will get a free pass on Programme 3: Hong Kong Deaf Film 1
 
**20% off discount offer by Hong Kong Association of the Deaf/ Asian People’s Theatre Festival Society for the deaf
Special Offers: 20% off early bird discount for each purchase made before 20 September 2020 at PUTYOURSELF.in

 

Ticketing enquiry:  look@putyourself.in (Office hour: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm) 
Programme enquiry: 2582 0248 
 

Co-presenters: The Hong Kong Association of the Deaf, Asian People's Theatre Festival Society, Hong Kong Arts Centre, School of Creative Media - City University of Hong Kong, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences - City University of Hong Kong
 
Partner: Centre for Community Cultural Development
 
Supported by: Hong Kong Arts Development Council
 

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