Back to Latest UpdatesSign on Screen Festival: a space where Deaf stories lead
From 22 to 24 May 2026, a new kind of film festival arrives in Canberra. One where Deaf stories are not interpreted into the margins, but placed firmly at the centre.
The Sign on Screen Festival, held at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, is a free, accessible, Deaf-led event that brings together filmmakers, academics and audiences in a shared space of storytelling and exchange.
Delivered in partnership with The Australian National University, Deaf Connect and the NFSA, the festival reflects a growing global movement. One that recognises Deaf creatives not as participants within a system, but as leaders shaping their own narratives.
“Accessibility is not simply about removing barriers. It is about creating environments where people can participate fully, confidently, and on their own terms.”
Across the three days, audiences will experience films created entirely by Deaf and Hard of Hearing filmmakers. These works span languages and cultures, including Auslan, Yolŋu Sign Language, British Sign Language and American Sign Language. Together, they offer a rich and layered view of Deaf life that moves beyond a single story.
The program also features presentations from respected Deaf academics including Breda Carty, Sofya Gollan and Rodney Adams, creating space for deeper conversation around language, identity, and representation on screen.
Importantly, accessibility is embedded into every part of the experience. All events include Auslan–English interpreting, SDH captions, and hearing loop capability. This is not an added feature. It is the foundation.
For Deafness Forum Australia, initiatives like Sign on Screen speak directly to a broader shift. Accessibility is not simply about removing barriers. It is about creating environments where people can participate fully, confidently, and on their own terms.
As the One in Five reality continues to shape how we think about communication, inclusion, and culture, events like this show what is possible when accessibility is built in from the beginning. Not as an afterthought, but as a principle.
The festival is free to attend, with registrations required. For those able to make the trip to Canberra, it offers something rare. A chance to experience storytelling that is led by Deaf voices, in spaces designed with access at their core.
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FAQ
What is the purpose of the Sign On Screen Festival?
The festival aims to promote authentic Deaf representation in screen industries and challenge hearing-centered portrayals in film and media. It supports Deaf self-determination in storytelling while showcasing the diversity of sign language cinemas, including Auslan and Indigenous sign languages. The event also encourages greater inclusion of Deaf creatives in filmmaking careers.
What accessibility features are available at the festival?
The festival provides multiple accessibility services to ensure inclusive participation. Events include Auslan-to-English interpretation, English SDH captions on screenings, and hearing loop technology in the cinema venue. These features improve access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing attendees across all festival activities.
Why is the Sign On Screen Festival important for Deaf representation?
The festival creates visibility for Deaf voices and supports authentic storytelling led by Deaf filmmakers, actors, and researchers. It helps address the historical underrepresentation and stereotyping of Deaf communities in mainstream media. By promoting Deaf-led narratives and sign language cinema, the festival strengthens cultural inclusion and accessibility in the screen industry.
