‘It’s full of untold stories of under-represented communities’

Life And Deaf

Flashing Lights and CTVC for BBC4

The one-off immersive and experiential documentary was applauded by the judges for being “bold” and “insightful”.

The film follows some of the key characters at the St John’s Deaf Club in north London as they face life’s challenges.

With no commentary or music, it is the first documentary made entirely in British Sign Language, where the only
sounds are atmospheric.

Life And Deaf follows characters such as Tina and Mario Costi, who are expecting a baby. For generations, boys in Mario’s family have been born deaf, while girls can hear.

It also looks at the St John’s Deaf Club football team as they prepare for the English Deaf Cup.

The documentary was co-produced by CTVC and Flashing Lights and featured a diverse film-making team, consisting of hearing, but non-signing, director Clare Johns, a deaf producer and a hearing but signing editor.

One judged said that it “gave access to a world that you want to be part of”, while another added that it did not feel “worthy”.

“It’s full of untold stories of under-represented communities,” the judge added.

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