top of page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

   2025 FESTIVAL WINNERS

Congrats to our winners!

Untitled design (1).png
gs_still01 - Lymon Thorn.jpg

 Animation 

Ghost Sandwich

 3:05 min   |   [CC]    

A deaf woman goes out to order a sandwich, but loses her phone and struggles to get the food that she wants from people who don't know sign language.

Directed by Lymon Thorn

Screenshot_2025-06-08_at_9.15.25_PM - Jules Dameron.jpeg

Short

Glass Cage

12 min  |   [CC]

A deaf woman battles an internal force gnawing at her will to live, in a haunting cinematic mood piece that explores isolation and resilience. 

Directed by Jules Dameron 

ODB_still 2_copyright Labyrint Film - Romana Hrvatin.jpg

Feature

OkThanksBye

90 min  |   [CC}

An adventurous coming-of-age drama about two young deaf girls who go on an unforgettable road trip together where they not only get to know each other better, but also themselves. 

Directed by Nicole van Kilsdonk

Deaf Nomads A3 (15 of 38) (1) - Dulamsuren Jigjid.jpg

 Short 

Echoes Between the Land and Blue Sky:The Lives of Mongolian

Deaf Nomads 

30 min  |   [CC]

Echoes Between Land and Blue Sky: The Lives of Mongolian Deaf Nomads documentary spotlights the lives of deaf herders in Mongolia, an overlooked community uniquely affected by climate change. Set against the backdrop of Mongolia's breathtaking yet unforgiving landscapes, the film introduces herders who navigate the challenges of isolation, environmental shifts, and cultural preservation. The documentary is structured into four acts, each focused on a different herder family, interconnected by overarching themes of climate resilience, cultural identity, and social inclusion. 

Directed by Itgel Byambadori

6 - Julien Bourges.png

Feature

Alfredo Corrado

90 min  |  [CC]

This unique documentary on Alfredo Corrado recounts the creation of International Visual Theater (IVT) and the adventures of the first deaf theater in France at the Château de Vincennes, which changed the history of deaf people in France. 

Directed by Julien Bourges 

2025 Program Book

Portrait of MJ Kiego

With heartfelt gratitude,


MJ Kiego
Founder & President, The Zankza Project
Chair, Deaf Film Festival

  WELCOME!  

Welcome to the 2025 Deaf Film Festival

​

Thank you for joining us for the second biennial Deaf Film Festival in Austin, Texas. What began as a single event hosted by The Zankza Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Deaf artists and creatives, has grown into a citywide celebration of Deaf cinema, culture, and community. This year’s festival expands across three venues throughout Austin, showcasing powerful stories told through the visual language and artistry of Deaf filmmakers from around the world.

​

Over the next three days—October 10–12, 2025—we invite you to experience an exciting lineup of films, workshops, and conversations that highlight the depth and diversity of Deaf storytelling. From intimate shorts to full-length features, each screening opens a window into creativity, resilience, and collaboration within our community.

​

Whether you’re a filmmaker, cinephile, or a supporter of inclusive art, your presence helps sustain a growing movement that amplifies Deaf voices and nurtures connections that extend far beyond the screen.

   2025 SCHEDULE   

FRIDAY OCTOBER 10

  4:00 pm 

Filmmaker Dinner

  5:00 pm  

Aweability Event with ASL Slam - City Hall
 

  • Idle Hands   

  • Deaf Capo        

  7:30 pm  

Festival Kickoff - The Violet Crown

  • Serendipity by Sofia.  8 minutes

  • Signs from the Mainland   18 minutes

  • Don't Look   14 minutes  

  • Contours  13 minutes

  • OKThanksBye   1 hour and 30 minutes

  10:00 pm  

Socialize 

• 6th Street
• The Holdout 

SATURDAY OCTOBER 11

   9:30 am   

Doors open at Texas School for the Deaf Auditorium

  10:00 am  

Screening - TSD Auditorium

  • Memory Flows in the Living   1 hour

  11:00 am  

Screenwriting Workshop - TSD Auditorium

  • ​ Adam Membrey x WriterDuet   30 minutes

  11:30 am  

Screening - TSD Auditorium

  • Resilience   18 minutes

  • The Tales of Victor   13 minutes

  • Ruptures of Disability Difference   2 minutes  

  • Ghost Sandwich   3 minutes

  • Fluent   9 minutes

  • Medal Chase   10 minutes

  12:30 pm  

Lunch Break 

  • ​Lotz BBQ 

  • Sip n' Connect

  • Trubiz Waffle

  • Tunisian Bakes

  1:00 pm  

Screening - TSD Auditorium

  • Alfredo Corrado   1 hour and 30 minutes

  2:45 pm  

Q&A with Filmmakers

  • ​ Filmmakers    30 minutes

  3:30 pm  

Screening - TSD Auditorium

  • ​Talk   2 minutes

  • Remote Strutting   12 minutes

  • Echoes Between Land and Blue Sky   30 minutes

  • Glass Cage   12 minutes

  • Beyond Silence   18 minutes

  • Between Signs and Tides   16 minutes

  5:00 pm  

Dinner Break 

  • ​Lotz BBQ 

  • Sip n' Connect

  • Trubiz Waffle

  • Tunisian Bakes

  6:00 pm  

Screening - TSD Auditorium

  • ​The Way We Talk  2 hours and 10 minutes

  8:30 pm  

AFTERPARTY - The Sunset Room

  9:00 pm  

Awards Announcement

  9:30 pm  

The Harold Foxx Show

  10:00 pm  

21+ Only

  12:30 am  

Last Call for Alcohol

  1:00 am  

Festival Afterparty Ends

SUNDAY OCTOBER 12

  10:00 am  

Meet the Filmmakers Brunch - TSD

  • ​Trubiz Waffle

  • Laura's Empanadas

  • Tunisian Bakes

  11:00 am  

Screening - TSD Auditorium

  • Silent Rhythm   30 minutes

  • Unmasking Deaf Ed   55 minutes

  • The Power of Goodbye   23 minutes

  1:30 pm  

Closing Ceremony - TSD Auditorium

  • ​Deaf Film Festival Committee   30 minutes

Deaf Film Festival location on the map

HOW TO GET TO DFF

Friday: The Violet Crown  (movie theater)

434 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701

Violet Crown Map.png

Saturday & Sunday: Texas School for the Deaf - Main Auditorium
1102 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

​

Saturday Afterparty: The Sunset Room 

310 E 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701

Texas School for the Deaf Map

ALL FILMS

gs_still01 - Lymon Thorn.jpg

 Animation 

Ghost Sandwich

 3:05 min   |   [CC]    

A deaf woman goes out to order a sandwich, but loses her phone and struggles to get the food that she wants from people who don't know sign language.

Directed by Lymon Thorn

The Tales of Victors Misfit Creation12 - Paul Miller.jpg

 Animation 

The Tales of Victor the Misfits Creator

13:13 min    |   [CC]    

In the heart of a dark forest, a friendship sparks the light.

Directed by Paul Miller

ruptures_still_1 - rosas studio.jpg

 Animation 

Ruptures of Disability Difference: Animating the Creativity of Deaf-Nondeaf Communication

 2:15 min  |   [CC]     

An animation that contextualizes research on deaf, non-deaf education and inclusivity.

Directed by Eddie Rosas and Carlos Rosas

rudi2 - Kevin Shiva.jpg

Short

Medal Chase

10 min  |   [CC]

Meet Rudolfs, currently one of the top deaf swimmers in the world. Medal Chase is a short film that dives into his ambitious journey, the emotional and physical hurdles and the profound personal sacrifices he had to make along the way. 

Directed by Kevin Shiva

Jeff on Ice - Cecilia Parker.jpg

 Short 

Signs from the Mainland

18 min  |   [CC]

As winter blankets Martha's Vineyard, Jeffrey Mansfield steps through the lost history of its once-thriving Deaf community. As facts fade into myth, he uncovers a deeper truth about language, home, and belonging. 

Directed by Michael Cestaro

Untitled-8_1.136.1 - Sarah Goolishian.jpg

 Short 

Silent Rhythm

30 min  |   [CC]

Dance, community, and Deaf culture are explored as senior GDC dancers and their director prepare for their last spring concert and life after Gallaudet University. 

Directed by Sarah Goolishian 

Deaf Nomads A3 (15 of 38) (1) - Dulamsuren Jigjid.jpg

 Short 

Echoes Between the Land and Blue Sky:The Lives of Mongolian

Deaf Nomads 

30 min  |   [CC]

Echoes Between Land and Blue Sky: The Lives of Mongolian Deaf Nomads documentary spotlights the lives of deaf herders in Mongolia, an overlooked community uniquely affected by climate change. Set against the backdrop of Mongolia's breathtaking yet unforgiving landscapes, the film introduces herders who navigate the challenges of isolation, environmental shifts, and cultural preservation. The documentary is structured into four acts, each focused on a different herder family, interconnected by overarching themes of climate resilience, cultural identity, and social inclusion. 

Directed by Itgel Byambadori

_DSC2190 - João Gabriel Kowalski.jpeg

 Short 

Between Signs and Tides

16 min  |   [CC]

In a romance that has just begun, Mari and Ana decide to visit IIha do Mel together, in order to create shared memories. Once there, the two, who are deaf women, look for a guide who understands sign language and are surprised by Lambe-Lambe. As they tour the Island's tourist attractions, the three understand that every love story deserves to be lived. 

Directed by Joao Gabriel Kowalski and Joao Gabriel Ferreira

Exclusive First Look 02 - Danny's Skits.png

  Short  

Don't Look

14 min  |   [CC]

A group of friends plays 'Don't Look,' a game where opening your eyes summons deadly spirits. Their thrill turns to terror as they unleash supernatural forces and must confront their worst fears to survive. 

Directed by Danny Murphy 

Remote Strutting Still.jpeg

 Short 

Remote Strutting 

12 min  |   [CC]

An imaginative young IT professional battles self-limitations that prevent her from stepping out of her comfort zone and into the real world.

Directed by Lorna Fitzsimons

Resilience - Julien Bourges.png

 Short 

Resilience

18 min  |   [CC]

Way out in the country, Joseph, a deaf man, lives alone. A traumatic experience leaves him unable to leave the village. One day, a delivery man comes with a package that will change him. 

Directed by Julien Bourges

TALK_STILL_V2_5.1.1 - Jessica Perlman.png

 Short 

Talk

2 min  |   [CC]

A Deaf homeowner needs the help of a translator to get his air conditioning repaired, but the real break down is in their communication when the translator stops being polite and we realize the translator's true identity. 

Directed by Jessica Perlman

Fluent_Still_5 - Jennifer Roberts.jpg

 Short 

Fluent

9 min  |   [CC]

Amy trains a quirky new employee who has a unique and unconventional approach to learning sign language. This short film features ASL, LSQ, English, and French.

Directed by Davide Chiazzese

SbyS_1 - Audrey Sangla.png

 Short 

Serendipity by Sofia

8 min  |   [CC]

Sofia is a very creative woman who likes to sit on the bench during her lunch breaks and imagine stories of those who pass by her. One day, a flirtatious conversation becomes something deeper and leads to a brutal twist she does not see coming. This a delightful film about all the beauty to be found in spaces between us. 

Directed by Audrey Sangla

La lueur de l'Adieu #1 - Audrey Sangla.png

Short

The Power of Goodbye

23 min  |   [CC]

When Christiane learns that her daughter Margot, suffering from Charcot's disease, wishes to take her own life, she is faced with a challenge to her maternal love. 

Directed by Audrey Sangla

Copy of 20240412_CONTOURS_60TRLR_422HQ.00_00_51_20.Still006 - Aisha Amin.png

Short

Contours

12 min  |  [CC]

Upon using a modern art museum as the setting for a role-playing game that goes hopelessly awry, a couple desperate to rekindle their spark finds the reconnection they seek in their shared experience over an abstract sculpture. 

Directed by Aisha Amin

BeyondSilence_Myrthe Mosterman3-kleiner - Marre Tramper.jpg

 Short 

Beyond Silence

18 min  |   [CC]

Two women, two generations, one shared trauma. One has been silent for over thirty years, the other for 'only' a year and a half. Where one retreats further into silence after a confrontation, the other finds the courage to break it. 

Directed by Marnie Blok

Screenshot_2025-06-08_at_9.15.25_PM - Jules Dameron.jpeg

Short

Glass Cage

12 min  |   [CC]

A deaf woman battles an internal force gnawing at her will to live, in a haunting cinematic mood piece that explores isolation and resilience. 

Directed by Jules Dameron 

6 - Julien Bourges.png

Feature

Alfredo Corrado

90 min  |  [CC]

This unique documentary on Alfredo Corrado recounts the creation of International Visual Theater (IVT) and the adventures of the first deaf theater in France at the Château de Vincennes, which changed the history of deaf people in France. 

Directed by Julien Bourges 

Film Still_5 - 手族文化村工作室(Signing Village).jpg

Feature

Memory Flows in the Living hands

60 min  |   [CC]

Seven Deaf elders in Taiwan share powerful life stories, from childhood under Japanese rule to modern times, revealing how Bernard Bragg's artistry shaped the spirit of Taiwan Sign Language. 

Directed by Fanghuai Ku

UNMASKING (Deaf Ed) - Carey Ballard.heic

Feature

Unmasking Deaf Education

55 min  |   [CC]

A revealing documentary that uncovers the hidden history, resistance, and ideological battle over American Sign Language in Deaf Education.

Directed by Carey M. Ballard

ODB_still 2_copyright Labyrint Film - Romana Hrvatin.jpg

Feature

OkThanksBye

90 min  |   [CC}

An adventurous coming-of-age drama about two young deaf girls who go on an unforgettable road trip together where they not only get to know each other better, but also themselves. 

Directed by Nicole van Kilsdonk

DSC_8421 copy - Derek Kong.jpeg

Feature

The Way We Talk 

130 min  |   [CC]

Wolf, born into a Deaf family, embraces sign language with confidence despite obstacles in life; Sophie, having a cochlear implant at a young age, continuously strives to be seen as "normal," despite struggling with oral language. Alan, with a cochlear implant like Sophie, is capable of both oral and sign language; he advocates for diverse modes of communication within the deaf community. Bound by love and friendship, the three embark on a self-discovering journey with their own moments of pain.

Directed by Adam Wong

   AFTERPARTY AT
THE SUNSET ROOM   

310 E 3RD ST, AUSTIN, TX 78701   |   8:30 PM to 1:00 AM

Live Concert (1).gif

  What to expect: 

Entertainment by Harold Foxx with MC, Renca Dunn.

There will be appetizers, desserts, and alcoholic beverages included in your ticket.
Come try our themed cocktail: The Paparazzie!

  8:30 pm  

Social & Hors d'Oeuvres

  9:00 pm  

Awards Announcement

  9:30 pm  

The Harold Foxx Show

  10:00 pm  

21+ Only

  12:30 pm  

Last Call for Alcohol

  1:00 am  

Closing

THE INSTITUTE

ASL The Institute.gif

About The Institute:

​

At the heart of the Deaf Film Festival is The Institute, a collective of Deaf filmmakers, artists, storytellers, and supporters who serve as the festival’s screening committee and judging body. The name “Institute” is inspired by the Deaf school sign, a gesture recognized across the world as a symbol of community, learning, and growth. We aim to carry that same meaning into the world of film, cultivating a space where Deaf creativity, mentorship, and collaboration thrive.

 

Our institute members consist of directors, editors, writers, actors, or producers– each contributing their unique expertise to support and advance Deaf cinema. In keeping with our commitment to growth and inclusion, filmmakers who have actively contributed to the festival are invited to join The Institute, ensuring that every new generation of filmmakers helps shape the next. Through this evolving circle of artists, The Institute stands as both a celebration of Deaf achievement and a foundation for the future of Deaf storytelling.

​

OUR TEAM

IMG_8075.heic

  MJ Kiego  

Founder & Festival Director

IMG_0997.jpg

Adam Membrey

Programmer

R6II6005.HEIC

Jojo Savea

Marketing Director

image (1).png

Toj Mora

Technical Director

image0.jpg

  Deidra Pelletier  

Events Coordinator

IMG_0142.HEIC

Kristin Williams

Volunteer Coordinator

Economic Development Department logo

OUR GRATITUDE

Thank you to the City of Austin for awarding the Elevate grant to the Deaf Film Festival!

SPECIAL THANKS TO
OUR SPONSORS

Without our sponsors, the Deaf Film Festival would not have been possible.

 Executive Producer 

Logo_Rogervoice_glacier_blue.png

rogervoice

Serverdev logo

Serverdev

Texas School for the Deaf logo

Texas School for the Deaf

 Producer 

Dovetail Interpreting logo

Dovetail Communication Group

4.png

H-E-B

 Co-Producer 

SAGI_007_LOGO_cmyk_FIN.jpg

SAGIndie

 Associate Producer 

Inka's Printing logo

Inka's Screen Printing

LensRental logo

Lensrentals

ZP 2023 Logo File-03 copy.png

ZVRS & Purple Communications

 Many thanks to the following: 

Titos-Handmade-Vodka-Logo.png

Tito's Handmade Vodka

WriterDuet logo

Writerduet

Amy's square.png

Amy's Ice Creams

  WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE SHOW   

Thank you for being part of the second annual Deaf Film Festival! We are so grateful to our sponsors, the creatives who submitted their incredible films, our judges, and everyone who helped us work toward the success of this event.

BE IN THE KNOW

Thanks for submitting!

© 2026 by Zankza Project

bottom of page