Seattle Deaf Film Festival 2024

Opportunities for Change: Stories of Activism and Advocacy

Expired April 23, 2024 6:59 AM
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5 films in package
Voices in the Silence
Neapolitan Hard of Hearing filmmaker Rosario Liotta explores how the Deaf community in Italy has mobilized against the outdated terms of “deaf-mute” and “deaf and dumb.” Both creative and informative, this impactful film reminds us that words matter, and change is possible.
Diagnonsense
This powerful narrative drama centers on Patrick, a Deaf man who has been incarcerated in a psychiatric hospital for 36 years after being wrongly diagnosed as a schizophrenic. With the help of a Deaf social worker who understands his dilemma, Patrick appeals for his release.
The 5%
Three different storylines are skillfully woven together offering three unique perspectives on the Deaf experience: a young Deaf woman struggles to connect with her hearing boyfriend; a Deaf man has an argument with his mother, complicated by an interpreter who wants to take sides; and a Deaf woman encounters barriers during a job interview despite her excellent qualifications.
My Glow
The filmmaker, a Deaf Muslim woman, recounts the communication barriers she faced while giving birth to her second child in a hospital during the COVID crisis. Sahera’s story is an impactful lesson on the importance of access within the healthcare system.
The Silent World of Barry Priori: Signing Not Waving
Deaf Australian man Barry Priori was a thriving teacher, adventurer and tireless advocate for sign language and Deaf culture throughout his life. Having experienced oppression and language deprivation from his hearing family, Priori made it his mission to empower his fellow Aussie Deaf community and educate the world around him.

These five films highlight stories of Deaf people from all over the world whose advocacy work on behalf of the Deaf community has helped push back against oppression and create positive change for the future.


This program's in-person screening at NWFF takes place on Saturday, April 6th at 12:30pm. Get in-person tickets here!

Virtual, In-Person, and Hybrid Festival Passes are also available.

Neapolitan Hard of Hearing filmmaker Rosario Liotta explores how the Deaf community in Italy has mobilized against the outdated terms of “deaf-mute” and “deaf and dumb.” Both creative and informative, this impactful film reminds us that words matter, and change is possible.

  • Year
    2017
  • Runtime
    8 minutes
  • Language
    English, Italian Sign Language
  • Country
    Italy
  • Subtitle Language
    English
  • Note
    ID: A poster for “Voices in the Silence” with the text in dark across a cream background. Above is an image of a man leaning forward and holding a finger up while a woman stands next to him and looks at him. Two film award logos are above the title, with additional film details, social media icons, and logos underneath.
  • Social Media
  • Director
    Rosario Liotta
  • Screenwriter
    Rosario Liotta
  • Producer
    Teatro il David
  • Cast
    Nicola Della Maggiora, Linda Lipparelli, Daniel Fantini, Lorenzo Pasquinelli