Hollywood’s first SignLight International Film Festival will take place April 16-20, featuring deaf filmmakers and creatives from around the world. Actor, director and producer CJ Jones is behind the event, which also attracted support from Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, Shoshana Stern, Craig Mazin, Rosie O’Donnell and Andreas Deja.
Performances will include “Silent Rhythm,” “Not Another Story for the Deaf,” “Speak in a Whisper,” and “Being Michelle.”
“Often, when hearing people misrepresent deaf people’s stories and roles, only to ask for their help to help them create an exact replica of their lives. True representation requires real engagement behind and in front of the camera. Our festival offers the industry a ‘how-to guide’ outlining models of collaboration,” Jones said. Successful Deaf/Hearing Creative, Best Practices, Innovative Deaf/Hearing Communications Solutions, and Contact List for the World’s Top Deaf Talent.”
Deanne Bray, Millicent Simmonds, Nyle DiMarco, Shaylee Mansfield and Keivonn Woodard also support the festival. The event will also include a performance by American Sign Language (ASL) hip-hop star Matt Maxey, also known as Deafinitely Dope.
Launching with a VIP reception and presentation, the event will be held at the Pacific Design Center and will include open demos, screening sessions, panels, exhibition booths, live performances by deaf dancers, song/sign artists, and family activities. Jones will oversee the five-day festival under the banner of SignLight Inc., a nonprofit entertainment apprenticeship company affiliated with his production company SignWorld Studios.
For more information, go to the festival website.
A “Wild Rescue” documentary is planned from the Santa Barbara Wildlife Conservation Network
Santa Barbara Wildlife Conservation Network and director Ian Schiff have announced the upcoming documentary “Wild Rescue: A Second Chance at a Wild Life,” which will be shown in IMAX.
According to the film’s description, “Wild Rescue” offers audiences a lively exploration of SBWCN’s pioneering work in wildlife rehabilitation, which includes a newly built state-of-the-art wildlife hospital that serves as a beacon of hope for more than 3,500 animals annually. Through breathtaking images, the film captures the essence of the Santa Barbara region, including Channel Islands National Park and its vibrant marine life, while highlighting the dedication of veterinarians, volunteers and community members who work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and release the injured. Abandoned wildlife and returning them to their natural habitat.”
The full documentary is expected to be released in the spring of 2025, with Ian Schiff directing and executive producing. “The place we understand and interact with the most is the place we call,” Schiff said house. By actively participating in efforts to improve our individual communities, we have a fighting chance to dramatically improve our entire planet, one neighborhood at a time.
Find out more about the Santa Barbara Wildlife Conservation Network here.